FEATURED DEBATE

Artificial Intelligence: The Risks Could Outweigh the Rewards

As technology rapidly progresses, some proponents of artificial intelligence believe that it will help solve complex social challenges and offer immortality via virtual humans. But AI’s critics are sounding the alarm, going so far as to call its development an “existential threat” to mankind. Is this the stuff of science fiction? Could the “Terminator” become reality, or will these fears prevent the next technological revolution?

March 9, 2016
LEARN MORE
Jaron Lanier

FOR THE MOTION

Jaron Lanier
Computer Scientist , Author of ‘Who Owns the Future?’
Andrew Keen

FOR THE MOTION

Andrew Keen
Author , "How to Fix Democracy" podcast host
James Hughes

AGAINST THE MOTION

James Hughes
Executive Director of the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies
Martine Rothblatt

AGAINST THE MOTION

Martine Rothblatt
Transhumanist Entrepreneur , Author of ‘Virtually Human’

FEATURED DEBATE

March 9, 2016
LEARN MORE

Artificial Intelligence: The Risks Could Outweigh the Rewards

As technology rapidly progresses, some proponents of artificial intelligence believe that it will help solve complex social challenges and offer immortality via virtual humans. But AI’s critics are sounding the alarm, going so far as to call its development an “existential threat” to mankind. Is this the stuff of science fiction? Could the “Terminator” become reality, or will these fears prevent the next technological revolution?

Jaron Lanier

FOR THE MOTION

Jaron Lanier
Computer Scientist , Author of ‘Who Owns the Future?’
Andrew Keen

FOR THE MOTION

Andrew Keen
Author , "How to Fix Democracy" podcast host
James Hughes

AGAINST THE MOTION

James Hughes
Executive Director of the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies
Martine Rothblatt

AGAINST THE MOTION

Martine Rothblatt
Transhumanist Entrepreneur , Author of ‘Virtually Human’

Is Carbon Capture Essential to Fighting Climate Change?
When it comes to carbon dioxide, last year was a record year. The world emitted more of the climate-warming gas in 2022 than in any year since scientists began recording levels in 1900. The culprit,…
With Mark Z. Jacobson, Katherine Romanak

Will ChatGPT Do More Harm Than Good?
It’s poised to “change our world.” That’s according to Bill Gates, referencing an advanced AI chatbot called ChatGPT, which seems to be all the rage. The tool, which was developed by OpenAI and backed by a company Gates…
With Gary Marcus, Keith Teare

Should The U.S. Ban TikTok?
With one billion active users across more than 150 countries, TikTok is by many measures the world’s most successful video app. Nearly one in three Americans have an account. It is the most downloaded app…
With Milton Mueller, Kori Schake

Is Elon Musk Killing Twitter?
Kara Swisher argues Yes. Anthony Scaramucci argues No. These days, the bird’s the word. Since shelling out $44 billion for Twitter, critics say Elon Musk is knocking the social media giant off its perch. Under…
With Anthony Scaramucci, Kara Swisher

Is Public Radio Still Relevant?
Many Americans grew up with a transistor radio somewhere in the home. Out of it emanated the commentaries, stories, news, and analysis. Public radio was a key means of getting information. But between podcasts, satellite…
With Kmele Foster, Eric Nuzum

Does America Need A Digital Dollar?
The digital currency craze started with just one anonymous Bitcoin founder, whose identity is still unknown, and a community of futuristic, tech-savvy investors willing to take a bet on a new form of money. But…
With Dante Disparte, Gillian Tett
Load More
THE LATEST

Explore All

IN THE NEWS
DEBATE COMMUNITY
Join a community of social and intellectual leaders that truly value the free exchange of ideas.
BECOME A MEMBER
EDUCATIONAL BRIEFS
Readings on our weekly debates, debater editorials, and news on issues that affect our everyday lives.
NEWSLETTER
SUPPORT OPEN-MINDED DEBATE
Help us bring debate to communities and classrooms across the nation.
DONATE