Transcendence (USA 2014, OmU): Science Fiction in a Reality Check


Start date: 03/05/2016
Start time: 06:00 pm
End time: 09:00 pm
Organizer: BrainLinks-BrainTools
Location: Kommunales Kino, Urachstr. 40, 79102 Freiburg

Transcendence (USA 2014), OmU

Commentary by PD Dr. Oliver Müller

Discussion groups: Joschka Boedecker (AI/Machine learning), Andreas Meinel (Brain computer interfacing), Oliver Müller (Transhumanism)

In this 2014 film, a scientist develops an advanced quantum computer that undergoes a form of singularity or “transcendence”. He is mortally wounded during a terrorist attack, but manages a to upload his mind to his computer just in the nick of time. The all powerful quantum computer quickly becomes a threat to his wife. We will discuss with PD Dr. Oliver Müller the ramifications and current relevance of these notions. How realistic is this transhumanist dream of immortality through technology and what is its societal importance?

How much science is there in science fiction films? Neurotechnology, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence: We invite you to watch movies and series on these topics and to discuss with scientists. Five researchers of the Cluster of Excellence BrainLinks-BrainTools of the University of Freiburg rise to the challenge. In BrainLinks-BrainTools, scientists work on technical devices communicating with the brain in order to treat neurological diseases. To aim this goal, they also work on robots and learning algorithms. The research on neurotechnologies raises hopes and anxieties at the same time. These concerns and dreams are openly addressed in the science fiction genre. On the evenings of our film event, we discuss the scientific and ethical questions that are raised by the movies shown.

http://www.brainlinks-braintools.uni-freiburg.de/index.php?id=238&L=1

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