Here are our upcoming events
Tuesday 27th October at 19:30 – Talk: Artificial Intelligence and its applications
It’s almost impossible to escape hearing about the supposed benefits and potential dangers of artificial intelligence at the moment. We’re very fortunate this month to welcome Dr Craig McNeile, Associate Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Plymouth, who will help us cut through the hype and look at the reality of AI.
He’ll explain how AI works, illustrated by an overview of a machine-learning project carried out as part of an MSc at the University. He’ll also look at its practical uses in science, before finishing with a critical look at the Big Tech companies’ current obsession with the search for Artificial General Intelligence.
We will be in Room 115 in Rolle Building, James Street at the University of Plymouth. We will arrange for the doors to be open or someone there to let you in between 19:00 and 19:30 (they are usually locked after 18:00). We will also have someone there to let in any late comers, but please don’t delay too long! If you are not sure where it is, it’s just south of the James Street Vaults – see the campus map here: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/about-us/visit/our-campuses.
This event is free and all are welcome, although a voluntary contribution (cash or card) to help cover speakers’ costs would be appreciated.
Sunday 15th November – Social: Sunday Brunch
Join us for Sunday Brunch at Boston Tea Party on Vauxhall Street in Plymouth City Centre, starting at 10:30. We usually get a really good turnout for these, so it’s a great opportunity to meet and chat with fellow humanists. Stay for as short or long as you like, but please let us know if you’re coming along so we can get a large enough table, as space in the venue fills up fast.
Monday 16th November at 14:30 – Social: Cafe Social and Discussion Group.
Join us for a discussion on topics of interest to humanists. The subjects for discussion are to be decided. We’ll be in Cafe Momus on Manor Street, in the space at the back – if you’ve not been there before it’s the door to the right of the bar, pretty much directly opposite you as you go in. Let us know if you’re coming so we can give the Cafe an idea of numbers
Sunday 13th December at 16:00 – Social: End of Year Buffet. We’ll be in the Cellar Bar, downstairs in the Fortescue pub on Mutley Plain. There’s always good company and good conversation, so we hope to see you there. Please let us know you’re coming by email or joining the Facebook event so we have an idea of the numbers to cater for. Also, please note we will need to charge a small amount (around £5, tbc) to cover the food etc. However if you’d like to bring along a cake or something similar we’ll happily waive that charge! You’ll be able to pay on the day. Any excess money raised is to be donated to charity (tbd)
Tuesday 23rd February – Talk: Darwin in Devon
To mark Darwin’s birthday this month, as well as our traditional Darwin Day meal, we are going to have a talk about the time he spent in Devon.
Tuesday 27th April – Talk: Andrew Copson
We’re pleased to be again welcoming Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of Humanists UK. Time and location are to be confirmed.