BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//132.216.98.100//NONSGML kigkonsult.se iCalcreator 2.20.4// BEGIN:VEVENT UID:20250730T063410EDT-1457jW5vEf@132.216.98.100 DTSTAMP:20250730T103410Z DESCRIPTION:Date: Tuesday\, July 8th\, 2025\n Hours: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM\n Loc ation: ɬ﷬ Downtown Campus\, Leacock Building\, room 110. See map here. \n\n \n\nThis event is open to the public.\n\nRegister Here\n\nA shared re sources site for Anthropos Technicus readings and other resources has been set up on the Discord app at https://discord.gg/huCCw5CR3C. Please join u s!!\n\n\nSeries Description \n\nThis series will delve into the ethical an d societal implications of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies that call into question conventional distinctions between hu man beings and machines. By exploring thought-provoking books and films\, we aim to foster engaging discussions and critical thought about the impac t of technology on our lives. Each session will focus on a specific work\, using it as a springboard to discuss contemporary issues and concerns. \n \nSession 5: Blade Runner - More Human than Human?\n\nOverview: Given that the summer season has started\, our discussions will take their cue from relevant\, critically acclaimed films. \n\nRidley Scott’s Blade Runner (19 82 theatrical release) reimagines Philip K. Dick’s Do Androids Dream of El ectric Sheep? (1968) as a neo-noir meditation on humanity\, the ethical an d metaphysical status of humanoids (“replicants”)\, and the role of memory in the formation of human and personal identity. In this session\, we’ll discuss the film’s exploration of AI ethics\, corporate power and hubris\, and what it means to be “human.” \n\nDiscussion Points:\n\n\n Humanity vs. Artificial Life: Can (should?) replicants\, with their emotions and desir es\, claim personhood?\n Ethics of Creation: What responsibilities do creat ors (like Tyrell) owe to their creations?\n Legacy of Frankenstein: How doe s Blade Runner reinterpret Shelley’s themes of hubris and abandonment?\n Mo dern Relevance: Parallels to AI rights\, animal rights\, deepfakes\, and c orporate control over technology.\n Visual Storytelling: The film’s cyberpu nk aesthetic and its commentary on urbanization/climate collapse.\n\n\nRec ommended Materials:\n\n\n Watch Blade Runner: The Final Cut (2007)\n Optiona l reading: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (1968) by Philip K. Dick\n \n\nNOTE: Please be aware that the film contains some violent scenes that some viewers may find disturbing.\n\nWhy Attend?\n\n\n Debate the moral res ponsibilities of creators toward their “creatures.”\n Explore how Blade Run ner’s dystopian 2019 mirrors our tech-driven present.\n Connect Shelley’s F rankenstein to modern AI ethics through an interdisciplinary lens.\n\n\nAd ditional Notes:\n\n\n A short slide presentation will frame key themes and scenes.\n A private recording (for internal notes only) will be made\; it w ill not be shared publicly.\n No prior viewing required—come as you are!\n \n\n \n\nThis session is open to all\, and no prior knowledge of the film or AI is required!\n\n\nOur Dialecticians:\n\nDr. Sue Laver  \n\nInaugural director of the ɬ﷬ Writing Centre and former SCS Associate Dean\, Aca demic and Faculty Affairs\, Sue is a Frankenstein devotee. Her interest in Frankenstein began when she first watched her now longstanding favourite “Frankensteinian” film Blade Runner upon its theatrical release in 1982. A lecturer for many years in ɬ﷬’s Department of English\, Sue has guide d hundreds of students through Frankenstein’s philosophical complexities a nd its afterlife in popular culture\, with emphasis on the metaphysical an d ethical status of the Monster and its technological descendants. \n\nDr. Nabil Beitinjaneh\n\nBusiness Strategist and AI/ML/Analytics Expert. Facu lty Lecturer @ the ɬ﷬ School of Continuing Studies\, focused on adult learners who want to upskill\, guiding learners on their journey to become AI-savvy change-makers. Nabil is engaged in leadership\, strategy and org anizational development through events\, training\, and his service with n on-for-profit organizations. He is an Ambassador for TechAide which suppor ts Centraide of Greater Montreal and the president of Le centre culturel s yrien.\n\n \n\n\nThis event is a collaboration between the ɬ﷬ School o f Continuing Studies\,  the ɬ﷬ Computational and Data Systems Initiati ve and the ɬ﷬ Collaborative for AI & Society.\n DTSTART:20250708T223000Z DTEND:20250709T000000Z LOCATION:Leacock Building\, CA\, QC\, Montreal\, H3A 2T7\, 855 rue Sherbroo ke Ouest SUMMARY: Our Tech\, AI and Society Dialogues: Blade Runner - More Human tha n Human? URL:/cdsi/channels/event/our-tech-ai-and-society-dialo gues-blade-runner-more-human-human-365560 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR