The Future of Liberalism and the Idea of a Liberal AI

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Thursday 25 September - Friday 26 September
Oxford, United Kingdom

Hosted by the Institute for Ethics in AI and Accelerator Fellowship Programme at the University of Oxford

Join us for a two-day conference that delves into the evolving concept of liberalism and its intersection with artificial intelligence. Using Cass R. Sunstein's forthcoming book, "On Liberalism: In Defence of Freedom", as a foundation, we will explore themes such as the essence and justification of liberalism, its ties to the good life, rights, the rule of law, democracy, corporate power, and international relations. The event will culminate with a session dedicated to envisioning a liberal approach to AI.

Conference Agenda

September 25, 2025

  • Opening Lecture/Discussion:
    Prof Cass R. Sunstein (Harvard University)
    An overview of the main themes from his new book, "On Liberalism: In Defence of Freedom"
     

  • Panel 1: The Meaning of Liberalism – Core Ethical and Political Ideas
    Prof Stephen Holmes (New York University)
     

  • Panel 2: The Backlash Against Liberalism
    Prof Robert P. George (Princeton University)
    Prof David Enoch (University of Oxford)
     

  • Panel 3: Liberalism and the Good Life (Including the Religious Life)
     

  • Panel 4: Liberalism and Rights – Has Liberalism Encouraged a Proliferation of Rights That Is Self-Defeating?
    Sir Noel Malcolm (University of Oxford)
     

  • Panel 5: Liberalism and Democracy – Is Democracy Necessarily Liberal?
    Prof Hélène Landemore (Yale University)
    Dr Tom Simpson (University of Oxford)
     

September 26, 2025

  • Panel 6: Liberalism and the Rule of Law
    Prof Philippa Webb (King's College London)
    Prof Timothy Endicott (University of Oxford)
     

  • Panel 7: Liberalism and Corporate Power
     

  • Panel 8: Liberalism and Free Speech
    Prof Kathleen Stock
    Prof Jeff Howard (University College London)
     

  • Panel 9: Liberalism and the Global Order
    Prof Michael Ignatieff (Central European University)
    Dr Jeanne Morefield (University of Oxford)
     

  • Concluding Panel: Towards a Liberal AI

Further speakers to be confirmed in the coming weeks. 

More details on how to register for this event will follow soon. For further information, please contact aiethicsevents@philosophy.ox.ac.uk