The seminar discussion focused on the question of ‘Thinking’ in the statement ‘Think Human First’. The discussion started from an inherent tension observed within the concept of “think human first,” suggesting a need to refocus technological progress on human values, ethics, and societal impacts, while also acknowledging that human-centric perspectives may have contributed to environmental crises like the Anthropocene. The panel aimed to explore the concept of ‘thinking’ in the context of the 21st Century.

The panel members from TU Dublin included Professor Noel Fitzpatrick (Philosopher), Professor John Kelleher (Computer Scientist), Dr. Conor McGarrigle (Artist), Dr. Ester Toribio-Roura (MSCA Post-Doc), Sinead Mc Donald (PhD Candidate), and Mick O'Hara.

The roundtable discussion delved into the question of ‘Thinking’ within the statement ‘Think Human First’. The imperative to understand what it means to prioritize human thinking became evident with the rise of AI, social networking platforms, and the looming challenges of climate change. The discussion highlighted the dual nature of “think human first,” suggesting a need to refocus technological advancements on human values, ethics, and societal implications, while also recognizing that an emphasis on human interests (anthropocentrism) may have played a role in environmental crises like the Anthropocene. The panel aimed to address the question of ‘thinking’ in the 21st Century.

Another interesting element that emerged in the seminar was the urgency of understanding what it means to prioritize human thinking arose with the expansion of AI and social networking platforms, alongside the imminent challenges posed by climate change.