Impact for a better society. At Delft University, we aim to overcome the challenges of our world through research into technological solutions as wells as policy and governance. But there are many more ways in which we can have an impact on society, for instance through social movement, activism and good old-fashioned charity.
Charity knows many forms and flavours, and has itself been the topic of much debate and research. How do you achieve the best outcome? Do you trust large organisations to decide how to effectively spend your money, or do you simply hand out cash to individuals and let them spend it on what they feel the need the most?
And who decides what the best outcome is? The greatest good for the greatest number of people sounds like a sensible approach for impact on society. But do the needs of the many always outweigh the needs of the few, or are there other values and human rights at stake?
Kritika Maheswari is Assistant Professor in Ethics & Philosophy of Technology at the TPM Faculty of TU Delft.
Eduard Nazarski was director of Amnesty International Netherlands from 2006 to 2020. He remains committed to peace and human rights, and is currently president of the supervisory board of peace organisation PAX.
Jan Wehner is currently in the second year of his master’s degree in Computer Science, specialising in artificial intelligence. He is a founding member of both Effective Altruism Delft and the Delft AI Safety Initiative.
Prometheus’ Problems
At this quarterly event, students, professors and external experts will exchange thoughts about philosophical and ethical themes related to engineering, modern technology and its impact on society. Importantly, the themes are based on questions put forward by students themselves. A discussion in a comfortable setting, with a drink at hand.
