Public Lectures about Gottfried Keller or Smart Robots

2019 marks the 200th birthday of Gottfried Keller. UZH’s Ringvorlesungen series takes this opportunity to look back on the work of the Zurich author across 11 lectures, covering a variety of known and previously unknown aspects: Literary experts on Keller will discuss the author’s work in the context of 19th century Switzerland and shine a light on his projects in theater. The lectures cover his dreams and phantasies, investigate his relationship to music, or focus on the significance of his work as a painter and politician. Another topic will be Keller’s often rocky relationship with Alfred Escher, who also would have celebrated his 200th birthday this year.

Migration and cultural contact, now and in antiquity

Migration and conflicts between cultures are nothing new. This Ringvorlesungen series investigates various migratory flows in antiquity and shines a light on the change processes and historical developments that resulted when different cultures crossed paths – from Ancient Egypt to Imperial Rome and from Ancient Christianity to postcolonial America. This series of lectures will be rounded off by a panel discussion on the current debate on migration.

Education and learning in and for old age

Does lifelong learning also mean learning in old age? According to the Center for Gerontology, the answer is “yes”. The center’s interdisciplinary lecture series promotes education and learning as a means of acquiring new skills and developing your personality. In each phase of their lives, people should learn new skills for dealing with their own ageing as well as other people. These lectures are aimed at professionals working in gerontology as well as anyone interested in issues of old age.

Artificial intelligence

Are robots intelligent? Can robots be morally held accountable? And what role should artificial intelligence play in our society and in politics? These are some of the questions pursued by professors of theoretical and practical philosophy. Their series of lectures includes though-provoking titles such as “Digitalisierung als Koevolution von Mensch und Technologie” or “Technologies of Love and Sex: Ethics from Love Robots to Dating Apps”.