Are we just sorcerer's apprentices now? Trust and ethics in AI

Lecture:

Prof. Dr. Peter Dabrock, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Chair of Systematic Theology II (Ethics) | acatech Member of the Presidium

Artificial intelligence has long been more than just a technological tool: it is changing our world and influencing social processes—rapidly, profoundly, and with far-reaching consequences.

How do we as a society deal with these developments? Can we trust algorithms that we do not understand? Do we still control these technologies—or are we, like Goethe's sorcerer's apprentice, being swept away by our own creations?

We cordially invite you to this dialogue event, where we want to discuss how trustworthy AI can be created, what ethical guidelines are necessary to shape technological change, and whether Silicon Valley is the seat of superpower.

Bavarian adult education centers are launching the tour "Servus, AI! The Bavarian Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence" throughout the state: Easy-to-understand lectures followed by discussions invite participants to learn about various fields of application, opportunities, and challenges of AI, to join in the conversation, and to think ahead. This will highlight the topics, expectations, and ideas that people in Bavaria are interested in when it comes to artificial intelligence. At selected adult education centers, citizens will have the opportunity to talk to experts from science and practice.

Also participating: your adult education center, acatech - National Academy of Science and Engineering, the Bavarian Research Institute for Digital Transformation (bidt), the Learning Systems Platform (PLS) – and you!