Explore how we imagine the future through literary, cultural and political perspectives, and how narratives shape today’s global challenges. Click here to view the agenda, abstracts and biographies (as PDF).
This event is now sold out in-person, but you can attend virtually. Please click here to register for Teams Webinar.
This panel brings together four speakers to explore how we imagine the future and the different approaches that shape our visions of tomorrow. Focusing on interdisciplinary perspectives from literary studies, cultural studies, digital education, philosophy, theology and political theory, the panel will explore what these fields can contribute to discussions about the future and the challenges we experience in the world today.
The panel features:
Moderator: Dr Emrah Atasoy (University of Edinburgh, IASH)
Prof Siân Bayne (University of Edinburgh, Moray House School of Education and Sport and Edinburgh Futures Institute): The Contested Futures of Education
Dr Emily Sullivan (University of Edinburgh, Philosophy): Rejecting the Futuristic 'Agent' Narrative of Large Language Models
Dr Elsa Bouet (Edinburgh Napier University, English): The Fiction of Diplomacy in Science Fiction, or the Futures of Sustained Extractivism?
Prof Volker Stümke (University of Edinburgh, IASH): Reimagining Christian Eschatology for Modern Futures: 'Hell is Empty and All the Devils are Here''
Together, these talks will open an interdisciplinary dialogue on how the future is imagined, interpreted, and represented across literary and cultural narratives, and how such visions shape our understanding of contemporary global complexities.
13: 30-14: 40: Opening Remarks and Presentations
14: 40 - 15: 00: Tea / Coffee Break
15: 00 – 15: 30: Q&A
This is a free event, which means we overbook to allow for no-shows and to avoid empty seats. While we generally do not have to turn people away, this does mean we cannot guarantee everyone a place. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. You can also join virtually - click here to register for Teams Webinar.
This interdisciplinary panel is organised by Dr Emrah Atasoy, and hosted by the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities at the University of Edinburgh. Tea, coffee, and juice will be provided.
*For any further inquiries, please email Dr Atasoy at Emrah.Atasoy@ed.ac.uk.