Living With AI

In May 2026, The Philosophers’ Yard explored the topic of ‘AI’ with talks from Dr David J. Bailey and Dr Ruby Hornsby.

David’s talk: The rapid escalation of AI, as the next big technological change in modern society, has been met with both widespread hope for a rapid advance in human capability, and a number of considerable concerns, including over the impact on employment, democracy, and the environment. This talk explored how, and whether, we can respond to the rise of AI, and which types of political, community or workplace-based actions might allow us to better live in our seemingly AI-filled global present.

Ruby’s talk: Can humans be friends with AI? This talk explored the emotional and ethical dimensions of our relationships with artificial intelligence, asking what it would mean to form meaningful connections with non-human agents - and whether this is something we should welcome or resist.

Breakout discussions: After the talks, attendees explored these ideas further in small groups. Dr Bailey’s session invited discussion on whether AI is a source of hope or concern, and what forms of political, collective, or everyday action might help shape its impact. Dr Hornsby’s session explored how we relate to AI on a personal level, asking what friendship, trust, and connection might mean in an age of intelligent machines.

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