All of the most amazing scientific discoveries start with an idea. Ideas that give you a better understanding of the world. World’s leading thinkers will share their experience every day of the festival in a Big Idea. Pim Haselager (Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour) about robots and the practical and ethical problems, Max Welling (University of Amsterdam) about the power of selflearning systems in combination with data processing, and Philipp Blom (philosopher and writer of the book ‘Wat Op Het Spel Staat’) about the consequences of climate change and digitisation on our democratic society.

PIm Haselager

Is it a he, a she or an it? Robots are already becoming commonplace, but once inside our homes, they can have consequences that the developers or buyers never envisioned. Like influencing human interaction, for example. Will grandchildren stop visiting their grandparents if they have a companion robot? Will robot friends strengthen children’s social skills or isolate them? Will we bond with robots like we do with people or much-loved pets? And what are the consequences of using robots in ways the designers never envisioned? In this lecture, Pim Haselager will discuss the unexpected implications of creative robot use.

The Big Idea of Pim Haselager takes place at:
Thursday 8 November, 19:30h

Get your tickets here.

Philipp Blom

The Western model of democracy and economy appears to be in crisis, post-war certainties, institutions and alliances appear to be crumbling or melting away. Is this a blip in the system or evidence of fundamental upheaval? Climate change and digitization are unsettling societies, shaking political structures and impacting natural systems across the globe. In this context the current crisis of democracy appears to be little more than an early symptom of a more profound transformation which may well overwhelm liberal ideals, human rights, and democratic participation.

The Big Idea of Philipp Blom takes place at:
Friday 9 November, 19:30h

Get your tickets here.

Max Welling

The rapidly increasing developments of artificial intelligence raise many questions about the impact of AI on our society and our everyday life. Will AI replace humans on the labour market? Can we benefit from AI and at the same time retain our privacy? Will all our decisions be taken by algorithms and what does that imply for our sense of free will? How easy can we be manipulated by algorithms? Max Welling will discuss the current state of the field, it’s benefits and threats.

The Big Idea of Max Welling takes place at:
Saturday 10 November, 19:30h

Get your tickets here.