Aspen NZ online 'Decision making in times of crisis: Science, Technology and Ethics'
Session 1: Neil Jacobstein moderating
26-28 May 2020
Twenty eight participants from the far north to the far south, young students to sage older hands gathered online for an actively moderated seminar to address the scientific, technical and ethical aspects of decision making during times of crisis. COVID-19 pandemic was used as a real time example considering the challenging and sobering values-based trade-offs and consequences. The topical readings, three per day, grounded the discussions.
Neil Jacobstein, chair of the AI and Robotics Track at Singularity University and Distinguished Visiting Scholar in Stanford’s MediaX Program, led the first session framing the issues, such as ’How to measure your nation’s response to the coronavirus’ and ‘What good leadership looks like’.
Prof. James Maclaurin, philosopher of science from University of Otago, led the second session addressing the challenging values-based trade-offs, including ’Putting a value dollar on life’.
Christine Maiden Sharp, CEO of Aspen NZ led the final session on what’s next including ‘How pandemics end’ and ’What was once unthinkable becomes thinkable’.
This is what the participants had to say:
Super interesting and timely. We are increasingly having conversations around a new set of frameworks to manage long-term value and purpose, Digital Strategy Advisor.
An outstanding job. Founder/Owner Lodge.
The format showed the depth of Aspen’s experience running these events and was a nice balance of listening and speaking, agreeing and disagreeing, touching on a wide range of thought-provoking aspects without getting bogged down or arguing about them. The moderators kept the conversation engaging and lively while bringing deep subject knowledge. The calibre of participants was also key to the success, representing a great cross section of New Zealanders (in the broadest sense) but all of them, from student to CEO, thoughtful and articulate, Managing Director.
I must say that this format lends itself magnificently to allowing us to learn from the unfettered opinions of others. Just from this morning's session I have gained a wealth of learnings which have challenged my perspectives, Student.
Truthfully speaking I hadn’t the slightest clue on what to expect … any intimidation or anxiousness prior was very quickly diminished once conversations began by the welcoming, inclusive and trusting environment set out by yourself and moderators, Student.
I found the seminar very valuable and it was great to be exposed to a range of viewpoints outside of my usual network. Executive Director.
