For decades, we’ve wondered if machines could ever truly replace humans. But one question gets to the heart of this more than any other: Can machines be creative? Creativity isn’t just another skill; it’s an expression of our inner worlds—our emotions, experiences, and imagination. It’s the story of our humanity, our minds’ complexities, and our cultures’ richness.

In a world where AI creates art, music, and literature designed to be indistinguishable from human works, what does that mean for our sense of uniqueness? Are we witnessing a profound shift where machines begin to blur the lines between cold calculation and genuine inspiration? Or is there something they can never quite grasp?

From Roald Dahl’s The Great Automatic Grammartizer to the dystopian vision of Metropolis, the fear that machines might encroach on our most human qualities is nothing new. Yet, with tools like ChatGPT, this debate feels more immediate than ever. Join us on 23 October 2024 for a Trendspotting session that cuts through the noise. We’ll explore whether AI’s newfound capabilities redefine creativity—or simply hold up a mirror to our own. Are we on the edge of something remarkable or just repeating old anxieties in a new form?

Panellists:

Amit Pasricha (Panoramist and Founder, India Lost & Found)

Dr Aalok Thakkar (Asst Professor of Computer Science, Ashoka University)

Dr Aditi Chaturvedi (Asst Professor of Philosophy, Ashoka University)

Amna Seth (User Experience Designer)

Moderator:

Ratna Vira (Author and Artist)

There are three distinct approaches to heritage conservation. The classical stance champions the preservation of physical fabric in its pristine state. The second approach involves engaging with communities intertwined with heritage, though it risks erasing the communities’ futures. The third, radical approach advises communities on preservation yet grapples with questions of whose heritage and interests should take precedence. Striking a delicate balance between tangible history and community values while safeguarding autonomy emerges as a critical imperative.