MindJam: Tickle Your Brain
MindJam returns this Labour Weekend, presented by Catalyst Trust and the University of Otago Division of Humanities | Te Kete Aronui. Tickle your brain as we tackle the big issues in a series of informal conversations, stitched together by some of New Zealand’s leading thinkers.
Friday, 23 October, 5.30pm -7pm
How Do We Build a Better World?
Over centuries our smartest philosophers, writers and social scientists have forged critical tools to tackle our world’s most wicked problems; from climate change to social disruption and beyond. Join our panel of University of Otago experts to explore the insights and essential tools that the humanities offer in this era of massive global challenges.
Saturday, 24 October, 11am - 12noon
“Teachnology”
Technology and Teaching
Much discussion around tech and teaching assumes people have equal access to, and capability with, technology. But that’s often not the case. What are the possibilities and pitfalls of ‘teachnology’? Dr Fairleigh Gilmour shares lessons learned from teaching ‘low-tech’ in prisons, about what is fundamental to lifelong learning for everyone.
Saturday, 24 October, 1pm - 2pm
Tradwives and Girlbosses:
What can feminism be now?
The 2020s have given us the manosphere, looksmaxxing, and tradwives. Feminism has a long and necessary history, but in this time of distinct anti-feminism - and ruptures in the movement itself - Dr Peyton Bond asks how can feminism respond to our world today?
Sunday, 25 October, 11am - 12noon
Artificial Relationships
In literature as in life?
What insights can fiction writers - from the classic myths of Ovid to the contemporary novels of lan McEwan - give us to understand ourselves and how our relationships with Al personas might evolve? Join Professor David Ciccoricco for a discussion of literary takes on Al intimacies, featuring Pygmalion, Narcissus, and ChatGPT.
Sunday, 25 October, 1pm - 2pm
New Zealand’s General Election
The Global Context
Is New Zealand unique? Are we shielded from dangerous political trends across the globe? Dr Neil Vallelly considers the current political climate in New Zealand within the context of contemporary global politics, showing how we risk becoming plagued by the same divisive and derisive politics affecting other liberal democracies today.
Each talk will take place at Lakes District Museum, Arrowtown. Attendance is free, with koha going to Lakes District Museum’s education programme. Seats are limited, so please register on Humanitix for each session you’d like to attend. For more info head to catalyst.nz.org
