Sean D. Kelly

In an era marked by extreme division and polarization, individuals often hold their own views in high esteem and view dissenters as enemies to be extinguished. The prevailing attitude seems to be, “I’m right, you’re wrong, and you’re a terrible person for being wrong.” But few issues are actually so cut and dry. While mathematical truths like two plus two equaling four remain steadfast, the moral quandaries of human life are much more nebulous. It’s crucial to acknowledge how factors such as situational relevance, history, local standards, and future possibilities color our perceptions of right and wrong. In this talk, Harvard philosophy professor Sean Kelly guides audiences away from dichotomous thinking that serves no one and toward more stimulating, expansive conversations filled with nuance that open doors to new understanding and deeper connection.

When was the last time you played? If you’re someone who regularly makes time for video games or pick-up sports at your local park, you’re doing better than most adults, but unfortunately this isn’t the sort of play we’re talking about. Professor Sean Kelly likes to distinguish games from play. Games have rules, guidelines, expected outcomes—which is no different than the rest of our lives. Play on the other hand is the antithesis of these structures: endlessly open and spontaneous and freeform. The concept of true play is elusive in most adults, and that should concern us. In this talk, Professor Kelly makes the case that play is connected to our dignity as human beings. When we play, we’re faced with constantly changing frameworks and forced to reevaluate and ask ourselves “What counts as good now?” This constant updating of what’s meaningful and important is central to creative endeavors, resilience in stressful situations, and more. This is humanity at our best, but we stand to lose this as technology becomes more ingrained in our lives.

We as a society are only beginning to turn our lenses to the gravity of the loneliness epidemic. With the rise of social media and digital communication, intensifying political division and tribalism, and the growing absence of third spaces, people are becoming increasingly isolated from each other. Isolation can negatively affect everything from our mental and physical well-being to one’s susceptibility to extremist ideas; these effects have implications that reverberate beyond the personal to the societal and economic. Now that we have identified the problem, how do we fix it? The simple answer: community. But that is, of course, easier said than done. Based on a combination of philosophical research and real-life practice and observation as the head of one of Harvard’s residential houses, Sean Kelly offers insight into effective community building practices that stave off loneliness and its harmful side effects.

Every day we’re introduced to new artificial intelligence technologies that approach or surpass human capabilities. It’s easy to become despondent and fearful of replacement by machines, but find comfort in the fact that artificial intelligence will always be artificial. We thrive by leaning into and strengthening that which makes us human, that which a machine could never achieve. With the perspective of a mathematician and computer scientist turned philosopher, Sean Kelly discusses how to integrate technology into our lives in a manner that allows us to maintain our humanity.