On Friday, 3 June 2025, Ella and Sharath convened the first Connections event of the ‘Humanities, Social Sciences and AI’ Transversal Theme: a workshop aimed at using deep disciplinary expertise combined with interdisciplinary play (Lego!) to develop fresh perspectives on artificial intelligence.
The workshop was very well attended by interested scholars from SHSS, who were eager to develop new ways of thinking about AI, using the methodology of Lego Serious Play. The act of making and discussing as a basis for thinking together – rather than discussion on its own – can introduce different imaginative ideas and can facilitate a more egalitarian conversation.
Working within disciplines to begin with, building ideas about what different disciplines bring to the understanding of AI (and what AI means for individual disciplines), the workshop then moved into the productive space across disciplines with the aim of forging new connections.
In the spirit of creativity and fun that accompanies Lego building, the afternoon was capped with an ice cream sundae bar. A pamphlet of provocations from the social sciences and the humanities for AI will be put together following up from the workshop, which will be published on the SHSS website.
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