English
Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing democratic processes and the spaces in which public opinion is formed. It is accused of influencing minds and elections, spreading disinformation and feeding surveillance mechanisms. But what is the real story? What evils is AI responsible for? What autonomy and what role should it play in our democracies? And even more broadly: What risks are we willing to take to encourage innovation and sustain ourselves? This boils down to asking ourselves what kind of society of tomorrow we really want.
The two events, a fictional court case and an interactive art exhibition, are the result of the Agora Stories of the Future project supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation, which is led by a team from IHEID and whose mission is to develop knowledge and literacy about AI in Switzerland, especially among young people. As part of the project, almost 150 workshops have been held in schools across Switzerland so far.
Both events are free of charge and open to all.
1. Artificial intelligence takes the stand! A fictional court case on the topic of AI in democracy
Date: Friday, November 22, 2024, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
From 18:00 there will be an introduction to the Stories of the Future project for those interested.
Location: Karl der Grosse, Kirchgasse 14, 8001 Zurich
A fictitious court case on artificial intelligence in democracy will discuss the questions posed at the beginning in a playful way, modeled on a real criminal trial. The prosecution and defense will take turns debating on the basis of documents distributed in advance, such as the indictment, the defense brief and the judge's questions to the jury. They will be supported by experts in the field of machine learning and the ethics of AI. The audience, who will take on the role of the jury, will decide whether and why the AI should ultimately be convicted or acquitted based on the arguments and evidence presented by the various parties.
In addition to the trial documents provided, you can also visit an interactive art exhibition at the Zurich University of the Arts ZHdK.
2. An interactive art exhibition on the topic of artificial intelligence in democracy
Date: Monday, 25.11.2024 to Wednesday, 27.11.2024, exact time TBA
On Monday from 18.30 there will be a vernissage including an open discussion on the topic and the artworks, followed by an aperitif.
Location: Zurich University of the Arts ZHdK, room TBA
The exhibition enables the public to engage with the topics discussed on the day of the process in a new way. It gives visitors an initial insight into the political, technological and social future that AI could bring about.
Under the direction of Luke Franzke and Roman Kirschner, the students of the Interaction Design program at ZHdK have examined these narratives created by young people as part of the project and used them to create interactive AIs that can be tested at the art exhibition. This will give visitors an understanding of the visions of young people in Switzerland regarding AI in the future.
These include posters that react to the viewer's movements or a machine that gives you social status. These and many other installations are waiting for you to try them out.