New to the Directory

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way many people work, create, and learn, but what is it, really? Over eight sessions, this discussion-based module explores AI from multiple angles: what it is and isn't, how people already encounter it in everyday life, and its potential as a practical thinking and creative tool. Together we'll examine real-world applications, creativity, ethics, and ways AI might support deeper and more meaningful work. Rather than advocating for or against AI, the course invites thoughtful, balanced discussion about how to navigate this rapidly changing technology. The module concludes with an open Q&A, giving participants the opportunity to explore their remaining questions and ideas. Session 1: Topic: What AI is (and isn't)? Discussion: What excites or concerns you about AI? Session 2: Topic: AI in daily use Discussion: How are you already using AI (if you are). Session 3: Topic: AI as a "Thinking Tool" Discussion: How can we use AI to help us think and how should we be wary of that? Session 4: Topic: AI in Everyday Life Discussion: What areas in life are tedious or monotonous that we can use AI to overcome. Session 5: Topic: Can AI help us create? Discussion: Can AI create and where is it appropriate to use? Where should humans remain central to the creation process? Session 6: Topic: Ethics Discussion: The ethical use of AI Session 7: Topic: AI as your administrator Discussion: How can you use AI to allow you to create more. Session 8: Topic: Q&A and Open Discussion [show less]

C.S. Lewis’s science-fiction trilogy, published between 1938 and 1945, is unlike any other series of science-fiction books ever written. The three books were partly written in response to the immorality Lewis saw in other science fiction novels and essays: namely ones by Olaf Stapledon, HG Wells, and JBS Haldane. Instead of depicting aliens on other planets as monsters who needed to be conquered, Lewis depicts the invading humans as monstrous and the aliens as godlier and more virtuous. He also incorporated many elements of medieval and renaissance literature into what he called his “planetary romances.” Although the novels centre on futuristic technology – including spaceflight and medical innovations – the narrative perspective belongs to a much older time. As a result, we can regard Lewis’s work as a type of ‘medieval science-fiction.’ Each module in this series focuses on a different novel in the trilogy, and students can take all three modules or chose to join the series for individual modules at any time during the course’s run. So, please join us as we explore these three incredible and genre-busting novels… after reading and discussing them, you will never see the universe in the same way again! [show less]

Do humans have free will? As science progresses, events in the world become more predictable and less chaotic. Some people argue that humans are no different from other physical objects in that they do not have free will, while others argue that our actions are determined by our beliefs and desires, our environment, or the past, which are not up to us. These considerations and others have led to an ongoing debate in philosophy about whether it is possible for humans to make free, undetermined choices. In this module, we will discuss the major views about free will, the primary arguments for and against those views, and how this debate relates to issues such as the nature of the mind, moral responsibility, and punishment. [show less]