OxTalks is Changing
OxTalks will soon move to the new Halo platform and will become 'Oxford Events.' There will be a need for an OxTalks freeze. This was previously planned for Friday 14th November – a new date will be shared as soon as it is available (full details will be available on the Staff Gateway).
In the meantime, the OxTalks site will remain active and events will continue to be published.
If staff have any questions about the Oxford Events launch, please contact halo@digital.ox.ac.uk
The Boundaries of Humanity Reading Group
With the rapid development of AI and biotechnologies (including those relating to germline gene editing, brain-computer Interfaces, life extension, etc.) come vast powers to reshape ourselves and the natural world. As technological advances grant us new powers, so do they blur some boundaries between humans, animals, and machines, prodding us to ask the question: what does it mean to be human?
Drawing upon readings in the humanities (including philosophy, theology, literature, etc.) and the sciences, this group will attempt to bridge the existential and empirical study of human identity – and within that context, ask if and how such reflections might help chart a path forward in relation to the right uses of new and potent technologies. We will focus in particular on questions of human purpose, place, and flourishing within the natural order.
The reading group is open to students at all levels of study (including medical students), as well as faculty.
Date:
29 April 2025, 17:30
Venue:
Radcliffe Humanities, Woodstock Road OX2 6GG
Venue Details:
Colin Matthew Room, Radcliffe Humanities, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG
Speaker:
Various Speakers
Organising department:
The Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities (TORCH)
Organiser:
Andrew Moeller (Kellogg)
Organiser contact email address:
andrew.moeller@history.ox.ac.uk
Part of:
Oxford Medical Humanities
Booking required?:
Not required
Audience:
Members of the University only
Editors:
Belinda Clark,
Alexia Lewis
