​Artificial Intelligence: Between Techno-Optimism and Techno-Pessimism

​Artificial intelligence is evolving at an extraordinary pace and is already reshaping how we work, learn, create, and make decisions. Some see AI as a powerful tool that will enhance human potential and solve global problems. Others warn about risks: bias, automation, loss of control, and long-term societal impact.

​In this meeting, we will explore AI from both perspectives — techno-optimism and techno-pessimism. What can AI actually do today? How does it work under the hood? Where are its real strengths, and where are its limitations? And how should we think about its future development?

​We invite both professionals and non-professionals to join the discussion. Whether you work with AI, study it, are simply curious about it, or approach it from philosophy, psychology, sociology, or everyday experience — your perspective is welcome.

​Preparation & Suggested Materials

​To help you prepare, we’ve put together a curated reading list that includes books, research papers, articles, interviews, and practical guides. The world of AI moves fast, so alongside well-known books you will also find recent articles and research projects.

​You don’t need to read everything. Choosing one book, article, or even a short explainer is enough to take part in the discussion. You’re also welcome to bring your own material, as long as it relates to artificial intelligence and its societal impact.

​The full list of suggested readings (with links) is available here:

​https://docs.google.com/document/d/17PoZmqzxQ5EJsET292lTI193ms_MZNvgv5XAnbVmRBY/edit?usp=sharing

​Popular-Science Books

​Accessible but substantial books that explain how AI works and how it affects society. For example:

• ​Co-Intelligence by Ethan Mollick

• ​Hello World by Hannah Fry

• ​Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans by Melanie Mitchell

• ​Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari

​Scientific & Popular Articles

​Shorter texts for those with limited preparation time. These include:

• ​A brief history of AI (Haenlein & Kaplan)

• ​“On the Dangers of Stochastic Parrots” (Bender et al.)

• ​Stephen Wolfram’s explainer on how ChatGPT works

• ​Andrew Ng’s “AI is the New Electricity”

​Real-World Applications & Practical Guides

​Materials for those interested in applied AI:

• ​KDnuggets blog (case studies and practical use)

• ​Deep Learning Illustrated

• ​Google’s Prompt Engineering Guide

​Research Projects

​For a forward-looking perspective:

• ​Epoch AI

• ​AI 2027 scenario

​​Important Information

​​We aim to create a safe, inclusive space for sharing ideas and learning from different perspectives. Respectful dialogue is encouraged, and participants are asked to follow our Code of Conduct.

• ​​Age 16+

• ​​The discussion will be held in English.

• ​​Registration is required to attend the event.

• ​​Participation is free. Donations are optional and help support our meetings.