March 9 | Humanity in the 21st Century - College of Charleston Libraries
The 2020 Faculty Lecture Series presents “Humanity in the 21st Century”
by Dr. Brian Bossak, School of Education, Health, and Human Performance
Humanity in the 21st century faces novel and complex existential questions that will require critical thinking from a well-educated populace. The entwinement of technological advances such as AI and biotechnology into the life experience of current and future generations promises change – but will that change lead to positive or negative outcomes? For the first time in history, the coming decades will lead to nothing short of divine power in the hands of human beings.
For centuries, people have spent their time and energy focusing on control of the ambient environment and other people. Soon, humans will be able to control and manipulate the world inside of us as well as gain additional control over the world outside. The power to extend life or selectively engineer humans (through biotechnology), create non-biological life (through AI), and perhaps even the ability to banish the traditional concept of death entirely (through the fusion of AI and biotechnology) will emerge, whether the human race is ready for it or not.
When: Monday, March 9 | 3:30 p.m.
Where: Addlestone Library Rm. 227
Tickets: Free and open to the public; Registration is required.
Food and refreshments will be available.
About the College of Charleston Friends of the Library
The Friends of the Library supports and advances the work of the College of Charleston Libraries. From on-campus collaborations to the Winthrop Roundtable, FOL’s programming provides opportunities for lifelong learning that strengthen our community and connects the Library to luminaries across the Lowcountry and beyond. friends.library.cofc.edu
About the College of Charleston Honors College
The College of Charleston Honors College expands on partnerships between faculty and student by creating a vibrant living-learning community where personal attention gives the support students need to reach their goals during and after college. Inside the CofC Honors community, motivated students live, learn, and grow together while pursuing their unique interests and goals – everything from study abroad, internships, research and service projects at home and globally. honors.cofc.edu