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2026 Annual Fall Lecture Series: Agency and AI
The Rotman Institute of Philosophy is pleased to present the 2026 Annual Fall Lecture Series:
"Agency & AI"
What does human agency mean in a world where AI systems are becoming increasingly integrated into everyday life? Where does human agency begin and end? What are the risks and impacts of treating AI as agents? Can AI systems be designed to support and strengthen human agency and capacity-building rather than replace or diminish them?
This year's series brings together leading scholars and thinkers to explore these and related questions from a range of perspectives. Join us each Thursday in October for five engaging lectures examining one of the most important philosophical issues of our time.
As part of the Rotman Institute's commitment to public philosophy, each lecture will be hosted at a different venue across London. These community-based events are designed to bring together scholars, industry professionals, students, community organizations, and members of the public for thoughtful conversations that connect philosophical inquiry with contemporary challenges and everyday life.
We are excited to see you there!
Speaker: Sharon Stein
Title: From Agency as Autonomy to Agency in Relation
Date: October 1st
Time: 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Location: Wampum Lodge, The Dome, 1137 Western Road
Speaker: Carson Johnston
Title: Agency in the Wild: Can we Trust our Instincts?
Date: October 8th
Time: 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Location: TAP Centre for Creativity, Bruce B. Johnson Theatre, 203 Dundas Street
Speaker: Aimee Van Wynsberghe
Title: TBD
Date: October 15th
Time: 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Location: Innovation Works, Community Room, 201 King Street
Speaker: Natalie Brender
Title: All in on AI for All? A Public Health Perspective on Digital Harms
Date: October 22nd
Time: 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Location: TBD
Speaker: Alice Huang, Yadira Lizama-Mue, Eleanor Laffling
Title: McIntosh Gallery Inside Out Series*
Date: October 29th
Time: 4:30 - 6:00 pm
Location: McIntosh Gallery, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street
*Panel Discussion
