BBC Reith Lectures

[ladymuck]

Well I’ve applied. Let’s see if I’m lucky enough to get a ticket.

Me too! I should have asked for two tickets and offered out the spare if I got them

[cojak]

Well I’ve applied. Let’s see if I’m lucky enough to get a ticket.

[ladymuck]

Stuart Russell, Professor of Computer Science and founder of the Center for Human-Compatible Artificial Intelligence at the University of California, Berkeley is the 2021 BBC Reith Lecturer. Russell will deliver four lectures this autumn, which will explore the impact of AI on our lives and discuss how we can retain power over machines more powerful than ourselves.

The lectures will examine what Russell will argue is the most profound change in human history as the world becomes increasingly reliant on super-powerful AI. Examining the impact of AI on jobs, military conflict and human behaviour, Russell will argue that our current approach to AI is wrong and that if we continue down this path, we will have less and less control over AI at the same time as it has an increasing impact on our lives. How can we ensure machines do the right thing? The lectures will suggest a way forward based on a new model for AI, one based on machines that learn about and defer to human preferences.

The series of lectures will be held in four locations across the UK; Manchester, London, Newcastle and Edinburgh, will be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and the BBC World Service as well as being available on BBC Sounds.

In this first lecture he will ask why we so often fear the potential of AI and whether these risks can be avoided, allowing humanity and artificial intelligence to co-exist successfully.

You can apply for a maximum of two tickets per Lecture and if your application is successful you will only receive tickets for one Lecture in the series.

The first lecture is available for booking:
Date: Monday 1 November
Venue: Knowledge Centre, The British Library, London
Doors open: 6pm
Lecture starts: 7pm

All guests will need to provide one of the following as a condition of entry:

• A negative COVID-19 LFT result (taken in the 48 hours prior to attending the Event) from a UK Government-approved test provider (either via a home kit or via a test centre), with certification shown via email or text; OR
• A double COVID-19 vaccination received at least 2 weeks prior to attending the Event, which guests shall be required to show evidence of via: (a) the NHS App for Ticket Holders in England or (b) via the approved certification routes for Ticket Holders from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland; OR
• Proof of natural immunity based upon a positive PCR test taken within 180 days of the show / event.

Failure to comply will result in the relevant guest being denied entry.

Face coverings are encouraged but not mandated, and can be removed once seated.

In the lead up to the production, to help minimise the spread of coronavirus, we ask that you do not attend the show, if you begin to develop any of the symptoms of coronavirus or if you have come into close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus.. If you have registered for tickets on behalf of your friends and family, we ask that you also let them know to stay at home if they need to.

To apply for tickets visit bbc.co.uk/showsandtours