This interactive session explores two influential books on artificial intelligence: Life 3.0 by Max Tegmark and The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman. We outline key themes from each book, then open the floor for quiz questions, discussion, and group activities. Topics include possible AI futures, ethical dilemmas, governance challenges, and the risks posed by uncontrolled technology. Participants compare the authors’ views, share their own, and reflect on practical implications for society. No reading is required nor enrolment. This session suits anyone curious about how AI might shape the future and what choices we face now.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face to Face

SUGGESTED READING

• Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (Penguin: 2018), ISBN: 9780141981802
• The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the Twenty-first Century's Greatest Dilemma (Bodley Head: 2023), ISBN: 9781847927487

COURSE OUTLINE

• Introduction to the two books and authors
• Summary of Life 3.0 main themes and scenarios
• Discussion on Life 3.0
• Summary of The Coming Wave key ideas and risks
• Discussion on The Coming Wave
• Compare and contrast authors’ perspectives
• Small-group activity on AI policy priorities
• Wrap-up reflection and take-home handout

LEANING OUTCOMES 

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Summarise the key arguments in Life 3.0 and The Coming Wave
2. Discuss AI governance, risk, and ethical challenges from multiple viewpoints
3. Compare the two authors’ positions on AI control and global impact