Inaugural Lecture of the Programme on the Impacts of Future Technology: Dr. Eric Drexler

The Oxford Martin Programme on the Impacts of Future Technology is pleased to announce its Inaugural Lecture, titled “Exploring a Timeless Landscape: What physics tells us about the potential of advanced nanotechnologies, and why this points to an unexpected future”, to be given by pioneering nanotechnology researcher Dr. K. Eric Drexler. It will be held on the 10th of November, 2011 in the East Writing School Room of the Examination Schools, High Street, City of Oxford. The event begins at 5:30pm with the lecture beginning at 6pm sharp. Eric Drexler, author of the influential “Engines of Creation” and “Nanotechnology: Molecular Machinery, Manufacturing & Computation” is sometimes described as “The Father of Nanotechnology”. Dr. Drexler’s lecture will be preceded by a brief introduction to the Programme on the Impacts of Future Technology and its aims by Programme Director Professor Nick Bostrom.

The Oxford Martin Programme on the Impacts of Future Technology is a new interdisciplinary horizontal Programme within the Oxford Martin School in collaboration with the Faculty of Philosophy at Oxford University. It explores possibilities in long-range technological change, including topics such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology and existential risks, and the potential these developments have to reshape society and the world as we know it.

To confirm your attendance, please RSVP to: sean.oheigeartaigh@philosophy.ox.ac.uk.
Please find an abstract of Dr. Drexler’s lecture below:

“Exploring a Timeless Landscape:
What physics tells us about the potential of advanced nanotechnologies, and why this points to an unexpected future

A methodology grounded in physics and engineering can answer a limited yet illuminating range of questions about the potential of physical technology. This line of inquiry leads to a crucial question: What can physics tell us about the potential of advanced nanotechnologies? Well-established physical principles show that this potential embraces productive nanotechnologies that have the potential to transform the material basis of civilization. This prospect calls for re-evaluating both research opportunities and broader choices with consequences for the human future.”

Addendum:
Please find a summary of the lecture here:
Oxford Martin School Blog