Tech&Society: “Ethics for Machines”
Aspen Institute España and Fundación Telefónica held the opening session of the third edition of the 2019 Tech & Society Program with a conference on “Ethics for machines” with José Ignacio Latorre, `Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Barcelona, Director of the Center for Sciences of Benasque Pedro Pascual and author of the book “Ethics for machines” (Ariel) and Susana Mañueco, Manager of Social Innovation and Institutional Relations of the Cotec Foundation, moderator of the meeting with the public.
In this session we reflected on technological development and how we have learned to live with machines that surpass us in physical strength and in power of calculation. According to the thesis of José Ignacio Latorre, we would find ourselves at a turning point in which, given the number of important decisions we delegate to advanced artificial intelligence, the ethics by which machines will be governed in the coming years are put in check . A matter in which society must reflect and take part or adapt (for not having faced it in time).
Speaker’s Biography
José Ignacio Latorre is professor of Theoretical Physics in the Department of Quantum Physics and Astrophysics (FQA) at the University of Barcelona and director of the Benasque Pedro Pascual Science Center. He is also Long-term Visitor at the Center for Quantum Technologies of the National University Singapore, Partner and Scientific Director at Entanglement Partners SL and PI of the Quantic Group at Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC) Quantic. He is one of the most recognized experts in the field of quantum physics: he has made crucial contributions to quantum field theory and entanglement. His main lines of research revolve around these two topics, as well as quantum information and elementary particles. José Ignacio Latorre is the author of “Quantum. Your future at stake ”(Ariel) and“ Ethics for machines ”(Ariel).
Moderator’s Biography
Susana Mañueco is an expert in social innovation, communication and project management. Currently, he works at the Cotec Foundation leading the areas of social innovation and international relations. Throughout his professional career, which began in 1999, he has worked in international organizations, NGOs and public organizations in Madrid, Berlin and Washington, D.C., promoting quality projects thanks to the power of alliances and teamwork. Susana is an innovation enthusiast and firmly believes in her drive to achieve systemic changes towards a more just, egalitarian and sustainable society, always maintaining a humanistic vision of the phenomenon. He stands out for his active listening, communication skills, critical thinking and leadership. She is in love with her daughters, Madrid, good food, social relationships and a firm believer in the healing power of nature.
2019 Edition Tech&Society Program
The Tech & Society Program aims to establish a forum for plural and enlightened reflection on the major issues raised by advances in digital technology and its influence in areas as diverse as human relations, politics, education, culture , economics or medicine. In each session an expert in each of these subjects presents his point of view on how digital technology is influencing our lives.
