It is striking to see how widespread critical reflections on technology have become. Over breakfast last Thursday, I read about Ryan Gariepy’s take on efforts to regulate lethal autonomous weapons systems in the pages of the Waterloo Region Record newspaper.
I spend a lot of time thinking about the role that institutions and systems play in the development and impact of technology, and the ways that our technologies come to shape these institutions and systems, not to mention our norms, cultures, and the way we think. At the same time, I also believe that individuals can make a difference through the choices we make and the ways we participate in our institutions and systems. I’ve had several reminders of this in recent weeks!
The short answer to this questions is: Lots of people! One of the points of this blog is to highlight various news items and events that demonstrate the growing interest in reflecting critically on technology, and in applying technology to peacebuilding.
One of the most exciting times of the year in the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement is when a new exhibit is installed in the Grebel Gallery. In addition to inspiring reflection and conversations among members of our campus and surrounding community, these exhibits also contribute to the creative energy of participants in the Centre. The view outside my office door is always interesting, but our latest exhibit is particularly provocative.
For those of us who work and study in universities, there are distinct rhythms to each semester, and right now we are entering a time of endings. Classes are wrapping up, major projects are coming due, and exams are looming. Meetings and publication deadlines that some of us have managed to put off are starting to pile up. And, right on cue, the University of Waterloo is providing a dizzying array of opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to test and showcase their efforts.
As a PeaceTech Peer Leader, I am excited to share what I have learned about inclusion and diversity in the last few weeks.
Join us to hear tech entrepreneur, global philanthropist, author and twice Nobel Peace Prize nominee Steve Killelea speak to his book Peace in the Age of Chaos: The best solution for a sustainable future.
Voices Together: A Celebration of Art and Music explores the complementary nature of visual art and worship in the Mennonite Church. Featuring over a dozen works of art found in Voices Together, the exhibition offers visitors a more intimate view of the art found in this new Mennonite hymnal.
Project Ploughshares will be hosting an online webinar to discuss the TPNW on January 29, 2021 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. on Zoom.
