In this Age of Digital Technology and Artificial Intelligence      

A frequently voiced concern is that the development of AI threatens our social, economic, and professional autonomy, and indeed even our continued existence. The naive expectation that these risks can be averted by voluntary restraint within the industry or by compulsory regulation is no less alarming. Should we also consider that such changes may not just be the result of what is being developed, but are actually part of the intention that drives all this, beyond the obvious commercial interests and also beyond any chance of governmental control? The looming spectre of increasing global conflict and social unrest induces a new predisposition to compliance, and that will facilitate with little resistance the already well-publicised transhumanist agenda. But we can claim and affirm our humanity in the face of this ominous prospect.

Is there a way of bringing up children that does not condition them to conform, and does not prepare them merely to survive in the world as it is? Is there an education that supports their intuitive will for change and their vision for a different future? Can we, also as adults discover a creative engagement with language and literature that is more than cultural recreation, and becomes a source of energy and inspiration in our irrepressible human evolution?

Following our weekend conference last October, we are planningthis one-day seminar focussing on these questions. How do we prepare children, not just to cope with but make creative use of  the unavoidable technological realities, to develop the skills to be effective and innovative in the real world, and the discernment not to become enthralled by the attraction of the virtual world?  And where, for all ages, does the joy and the power, particularly of the of literary and performing arts depend on original participation that cannot be mediated by substitutes for living human engagement? How do we discern the sanctity of language, the effects of AI on literature, and the sovereign experience of the creative word which is not amenable to the supposed benefits of AI?  

The aim of this conference is not to deny, avoid, or even disparage the necessary developments of our age, but rather to know them, and recognise how they contribute to and challenge our unfinished evolution. They can awaken us to courageous and creative affirmation of our human potential and the will to freely determine how we want to live.   

Andrew Wolpert    andrewjwolpert@gmail.com                                                                                                                 
Coordinator of the Humanities Section of the School of Spiritual Science in Great Britain

Tom Smith from The Brighton Waldorf Community  (beehub) will speak about his understanding of screen time for children and young adults, and share some ideas to help guide them in the use of technology, and the current developments of AI and other digital technologies . 

Ariane Eichenberg from The Humanities Section at The Goetheanum will speak about how the spiritual incarnates into language, Rudolf Steiner's approach to reading a literary text, and the effects of voice cloning and ChatGPT.  

Rebecca Paten will lead us in an exercise to experience  the sounds of speech, physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually - and  the word in a creative process that cannot be captured by technology.

Timetable for the day

10.30 Registration

11 - 12.30   Tom Smith: lecture followed by discussion

12.30 - 1.45  Lunch

1.45 - 2.15 Eurythmy with Rebecca Paten

2.15 - 3.45  Ariane Eichenberg : lecture followed by discussion

3.45 - 4.30  Tea 

4.30 - 6   Panel and plenary discussion on developing discernment and discretion, and affirming our human potential

Price £40 (concessions £30)

To book a place: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/rudolf-steiner-house/t-yaxazkd

Or through Ilona at ilona.pimbert.rsh@anth.org.uk or Tel: 020 7723 4400   

If you wish to attend but have financial restrictions, please contact Adrian at adrian@marylebonetheatre.com. 

Rudolf Steiner House    35 Park Road     London NW1 6XT                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

This conference is organised by the Humanities Section of the School of Spiritual Science and the Anthroposophical Society in Great Britain.