AI and democracy: danger or chance? Discussion evening in the Osnabrück Theater!

AI and democracy: danger or chance? Discussion evening in the Osnabrück Theater!

The University of Osnabrück invites you to the Osnabrück Theater on June 3, 2025, on the occasion of an event of the "Ethics and Critical Theories of Artificial Intelligence". Under the title "Protection of democracy in times of techno-authoritarian politics", the connections between artificial intelligence (AI) and the rise of ultra-right movements are discussed. The event is free of charge and interested parties can register at karten@theater-osnabrueck.de.

This initiative takes place in a context in which digital technologies are perceived as disruptive forces that significantly change social action. Especially since the launch of Chatgpt at the end of 2022, KI has become more important, which re -sparked the discussion about its effects on democratic processes. The concerns that AI manipulation and disinformation could promote are increasingly louder. Generative AI, which can create texts, images and videos, for example, is considered particularly critical because it has the potential to change the structure and dynamics of the democratic public.

reflection on current developments

The event also wants to deal with the developments observed in the USA, in particular the discharge of tens of thousands of national workers and increasing control by technologyilliaries such as Elon Musk. An ideological analysis is carried out through these developments to outline possible effects on Germany and Europe. The “Predicted Futures” project, funded by the future. Lower Saxony, also highlights how students work with future ideas in the context of AI.

The topic is not only important for society, but also for science. At the Institute for Social Science Research (ISF) in Munich, under the direction of Prof. Dr. Jeanette Hofmann and Dr. Clara Iglesias Keller examines how AI affects democratic institutions. The focus is on both the potential for liberation and the possibility of suppression by new technologies.

critical perspectives on AI and democracy

research show that there are significant uncertainties on the effects of AI at the time of their commitment. Political participation and reproduction of power traummetries are other central aspects that have to be treated in the discussion. The need for democratically sensitive regulation is considered inevitable, whereby social co -determination opportunities should definitely be incorporated.

Digitization has been discussed as a challenge and as an opportunity for democracy since the 1990s. Two approaches crystallize: First, the conditions of political participation through the influence of AI on individual autonomy and democratic institutions, and secondly, the use of AI as a means to support the participation in democratic processes. These dimensions are also treated as part of the discussion on June 3 and should stimulate reflection on how technology and democracy can be reconciled.

The contact for media inquiries is Prof. Dr. Rainer Mühlhoff from the University of Osnabrück, which can provide information about the developments related to the event. In the context of the challenges created by AI, it is urgent to create the political and social framework and to make the voice of the citizens loud in the regulation of AI.

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