Name: The Empathic Machine: Can AI Care?
Start: 2026-03-05T17:30:00+00:00
End: 2026-03-05T19:30:00+00:00
Location: Jesus College Cheng Kar Shun Digital Hub

Explore the complex relationship between humans and intelligent machines.
About this Event

Join us for a provocative and timely event at the cutting edge of technology and the human psyche. As artificial intelligence (AI) seamlessly integrates into our lives, a fundamental question emerges: What does it truly mean for machines to 'care'?

This event explores the intersection of emotional intelligence, empathy, and AI, through the lens of mental health chatbots, virtual companions, and emerging care technologies. Clinicians, sociologists and innovators will provide insights on what it truly means for machines to 'care' and what complexities should be considered in this care.

Can an algorithm truly feel or understand? Can AI be my friend? What about the ethics?We'll dissect the authenticity of emotional responses generated by AI, critically discuss the rise of virtual companionship, and unpack the profound ethical and philosophical dimensions of digital empathy; addressing issues of privacy, consent, and the responsibility of the caregiver machine. Finally, we'll address the implications for the future of human connection, healthcare, psychiatry, and psychology.

By drawing on diverse expertise, the session aims to not only explore the complexities of AI care but also challenge current assumptions and inspire innovative thought about the evolving relationship between humans and intelligent machines.

This two-hour dynamic event features short presentations from our experts, a panel discussion, and audience Q&A. It concludes with a networking reception.

FIND US

This event will take place in the Cheng Kar Shun Digital Hub at Jesus College, Oxford. The Hub entrance is on Market Street (opposite Wagamama). The Hub is accessible, with automatic double doors at the entrance and lifts to and from the main lower ground floor event space.

If you have any accessibility requirements, please do contact [email protected] and we are happy to help.

*Filming and photography will be taking place during the event. If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please notify a member of the Hub team on arrival.