About this Event
Have we already surrendered our freedom to the artificial entities that rule our world? David Runciman looks at what power we might have over states and corporations – and who exactly is in charge.
‘The Singularity’ is how Silicon Valley describes the ultimate break point in human history when we come face-to-face with machines that have minds of their own. But have we already reached this point?
David Runciman believes that ‘The Singularity’ began at the point at which human beings started building the artificial entities that now rule our world – but they might not be in the shape we imagine. States and corporations are these entities: immensely powerful robots, able to make decisions and act for themselves. They are unwieldy, never need to die, and they might be the cause of our demise.
What power do we have over these states and corporations? Do we work for us, or do we work for them?
Runciman draws on 300 years of thinking in his new book The Handover: How We Gave Control of Our Lives to Corporations, States and AIs to address how we might live with artificial agency.
BOOKING INFORMATION
This event is part of our new ticket pricing structure where we ask people to pay what they feel they can afford in accordance with their means. Read about more about it . Read on for the ticket prices for this event.
One free carer ticket can be booked at the same time for a paying disabled visitor. If you need to book more than one, please before booking to arrange.
No one will be turned away due to lack of funds, so please if you have any queries.
Pay It Forward £10
The Pay It Forward option enables you to book a ticket above the standard price, and will help to subsidise a ticket for someone who requires the Pay What You Can option. This option is aimed at people who are able to meet their basic needs and would like to help somebody else with the cost of their ticket.
- Is this for me? – I have access to a regular and stable income and I have the means and desire to contribute towards making the event affordable for others and supporting Bristol Ideas.
Recommended £8
This recommended price is based on what we’d traditionally charge for a similar event. It helps us make sure that basic costs are covered. This price is aimed at people who are able to meet their basic needs and have enough to live on.
- Is this for me? – I have access to a regular and disposable income, and I can comfortably afford the recommended ticket price.
Supported £5
This option is lower than the standard price. It is subsidised by Bristol Ideas and fellow audience members who have booked at the Pay It Forward rate. This price is aimed at people who could do with support to get by.
- Is this for me? – My access to income is low and unstable and I worry about meeting my basic needs. I would select a concession rate due to my personal circumstances.
Accessibility
- There are Blue Badge parking spaces on Union Street.
- There is level access to the event space.
- Events are amplified but there is no loop system.
- There are toilets for public use.
- Guide and assistance dogs are welcome.
More information about Waterstones Bristol – Galleries can be found .
Please note we only refund tickets if the event is cancelled. Events start punctually and, out of consideration to other audience members and speakers, our policy is not to admit or issue refunds to latecomers. Full Terms and Conditions .
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Waterstones Bristol Galleries, use Union Street entrance, 11A Union Street, Bristol, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00 to GBP 10.00