Free Discussion about Technology Affects our Humanity

February 5, 2020

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The February 6 event is part of Oregon Humanities’ statewide Conversation Project.

Technology is often considered a cure-all to our modern challenges. It is, undeniably, a powerful tool in addressing our greatest endeavors. Whether it be automation, the iPhone, or gene editing, some say our technical capacities have outstripped our moral knowledge. Others believe they have provided us immense creativity in dealing with our biggest ethical questions. Are these mutually exclusive? How does technology shape our moral reasoning and our perceptions of, and relationships with, one another?

This is the focus of “Is Technology Outpacing Our Humanity?” a free conversation with Manuel Padilla at 6 p.m., Thursday, February 6 at Springfield City Hall located at 225 Fifth Street. This program is hosted by City of Springfield’s Committee for Diversity and Inclusion and sponsored by Oregon Humanities.

Manuel Padilla is the executive director of Portland Meet Portland and is a teacher and consultant in the areas of dialogue, conflict transformation, social change, and international aid and development. He has a BA in philosophy from Portland State University; an MA in peace, conflict, and development studies from the UNESCO Chair for the Philosophy of Peace; and has done peace building and human rights work both domestically and internationally. His professional interest is rooted in his deep spiritual desire to use group processes to foster cultures of encounter and vulnerability, transform conflict, and build civil society.

Through the Conversation Project, Oregon Humanities offers free programs that engage community members in thoughtful, challenging conversations about ideas critical to our daily lives and our state’s future. For more information about this free community discussion, please contact Vahana Keene at 541.726.3671 or vkeene@springfield-or.gov.

Due to the sometimes sensitive nature of these conversations, we do request that prior notice be given if members of the media plan to attend so that we may prepare the participants for that possibility.

Background

Oregon Humanities (921 SW Washington, Suite 150; Portland, OR 97205) connects Oregonians to ideas that change lives and transform communities. More information about Oregon Humanities’ programs and publications, which include the Conversation Project, Think & Drink, Humanity in Perspective, Public Program Grants, Responsive Program Grants, and Oregon Humanities magazine, can be found at oregonhumanities.org. Oregon Humanities is an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities and a partner of the Oregon Cultural Trust.