Olafson Ethics Symposium Returns to Explore the Ethics of Technology

Thursday, November 3, the Nistler CoBPA was excited to host the first Olafson Ethics Symposium since 2020. The event started in 2005 thanks to UND alumnus Bob Olafson and SEI investments. This year’s event featured Keynote Speaker Juliette Powell. Powell has served as a consultant at the intersection of technology, business and ethics, and has advised large (and in some cases quite famous) companies on the questions of how to deal with the accelerating change that is underway due to AI-enabled technological innovation coupled with shifting social dynamics and heightened global competition. Her live commentary on Bloomberg, BNN, NBC, CNN, ABC and BBC and powerful presentations at institutions like The Economist, Harvard and MIT emerged from her lifelong interest in community-building combined with a deep knowledge of the people, technologies and business practices at the forefront of connected society.

Nearly 250 students, faculty, and community members joined the event in-person in the Barry Auditorium of Nistler Hall and online via livestream. Powell’s presentation focused on the Ethics of AI and other new technology from both a logical and legal perspective. She then called upon audience members to make their opinions heard by being involved in the legislative process of the technology. The presentation was followed by a lively Q&A session and dessert social. Overall, it was a great night of learning and discussion. The Nistler CoBPA would like to thank everyone who took part in this event.