Can a Robot have a Mind?

robot-in-schoolHow schools manage topics and questions that bridge science, religion and philosophy was put under the microscope at the University of Reading last week.

With robots set to become more ‘human-like’ in the future, the relationships between science and religion are becoming increasingly important and controversial. However the sensitive nature of such topics often means teachers are unsure of how best to approach them, while pupils sense that there are boundaries around what can and can’t be discussed and think twice before raising questions.

DSC_1105Over 300 students and teachers from 16 schools from across England visited the University to hear from some of the UK’s leading academics who are addressing these important issues. As well as meeting scientists, philosophers and theologians, they also met scholars with different faith perspectives, in particular atheists, Christians and Hindus.

The pupils took part in various workshops and had a go at building their own robot. Dora, a human-like robot, also made a guest appearance! The event closed with a lively Q&A session which saw the experts called up one by one and quizzed about whether a robot can ever be like a human.

VC opens

The event formed part of the Learning about Science and Religion (LASAR) project which has looked at how questions which bridge science and religion are handled in secondary schools. Dr Berry Billingsley, Associate Professor of Science Education at the University of Reading’s Institute of Education is leading the project.

Dr Billingsley said: “The current approach by teachers in many schools is to be thankful that students tend not to ask too many questions. This is because teachers are not confident in giving good answers and because the questions explore the frontiers of science, so perhaps are seen as potentially too challenging.

“A culture of ‘silence’ has become the norm in many classrooms – we call it ‘the silent treatment’. As a result students are missing out on grappling with the range of ideas that are available, with many forming and staying with narrow stereotypical views of what science and religion say.”

DSC_0963Berry and her team have discovered that students are thinking about the questions they want to ask but they keep them back, seeing them either as ‘off topic’ or because they can sense that these are topics that their teachers would rather avoid.

Dr Billingsley continued: “Students need to see that these issues are taken seriously and that scholars are coming up with new ideas which they debate and test. This will give the pupils the confidence to ask those important questions.

homepage“Science and RE teachers also need support as they have different skills and areas of knowledge, and both are needed to teach these topics effectively in schools. Science teachers usually deal with established science where the answers are known and teachers do not always know how to make the best use of discussions that do not have clear answers. We have produced a free website for students, which is home to video clips of experts such as the University of Reading’s very own Professor Kevin Warwick, inventor of the rat brain robot and Dr Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, as well as notes for teachers to help them incorporate these topics into their lessons.”

The event proved very popular with both students and teachers.

Jessica, a Year 10 student from Reading Girls School, said: “The day was really thought provoking. I came here thinking we were going to learn about religion and science but we learnt so much more such as how similar yet different to us robots are.”

Elizabeth Edwards, Teacher of RE at Reading Girls School, added: “It was a great experience for the students and gave them the opportunity to consider the relationship between science and religion, which is not only a fascinating and controversial subject, but also one that frequently comes up in GCSE questions.  The day reinforced our teaching that science and religion are not opposed to one another but approach issues from different directions.”

To find out about forthcoming events, visit www.faradayschools.com or email the LASAR events coordinator, Janet Lake at lasar@reading.ac.uk

The day is now featured in a 3 minute video on the BBC website.

The LASAR project is led by the University of Reading and organised under the auspices of the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion, Cambridge.

127 thoughts on “Can a Robot have a Mind?

  1. I am truly inspired that there is such a great amount of data about this subject have been revealed and you’ve put forth a valiant Wordle effort with so much class.

  2. As you progress in the game, you will encounter different tracks with varying levels of difficulties. Each track presents unique obstacles such as ramps, barriers, and narrow pathways, which require precise timing and precise control to successfully drift through. Drift Boss

  3. While finding and booking a Russian Call Girl in South Delhi may be challenging, it is possible to do so if you are willing to spend a significant amount of money. Money isn’t the primary concern, but there are rules and laws you must obey because they hold their principles very dearly.

  4. If they deny any demand then they will inform you politely. R Rajsamand Call Girls Service They provide service at the lowest cost. They offer so many packages so you can choose one which is in your budget. Their service makes you feel heavenly which you never forget in your life.

  5. Since its inception, our website has been a great help to those who want high-class Kamla Nagar Escorts . And we are continuing to do so as we provide beautiful, hot and sexy Escort at your doorstep. So, no need to worry about being caught or in a tough spot with our Escorts. We know what you need right now, but that is also seeking you and your abundant love.

  6. If you are in Pune for the first time and want to talk about recreation, our Pune Call Girls Service will make you crazy all night and feel the love of the beautiful fun. These Call girls are the blessing for those men who are not satisfied with their better half. They know how to satisfy their heart broken and unsatisfied clients.

  7. Welcome to Chanakyapuri. In this escort directory section you find Chanakyapuri Escort Service . We are the most trusted escort directory and one of the biggest Europe escort directories. All content and photos are regularly checked and updated with real photos. This makes sure, that all Ads are always up to date and will bring you the best experience.

  8. If you fantasized a super sexy hot girl with ornaments and bridal look waiting for you, she comes slowly and you hold in your arms and you make eye Defence Colony Escorts connection and lead sensual kissing over the faces when they make your dream true.

  9. Really great topic to discuss! Its a brain storming for students as well as others who are working and least aware about such facts . I am also student and found interesting such kind of post to be discussed and also I am learning online courses python course in hyderabad.

  10. You will get all the known categories of escorts available in our immense collection. Let us introduce you to some of our best features so that you would be able to know more about us. We have kept our concept of providing Malviya Nagar Escort Agency so simple so that one can easily find his way to reach satisfaction.

  11. If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable experience with a VIP escort service in Pune, then you have come to the right place. Pune Call Girls Service Agency .A VIP escort service in Pune can provide you with the best in class experience that you have ever had. From luxurious parties to intimate nights of passion, a VIP escort service in Pune can offer you a wide range of services that will make your stay in the city even more memorable.

  12. Our Chandigarh escort service can be availed of by all men who live here and those coming from different corners of the world. On top of that, you can contact us anytime for any queries or to book your favorite escort for that day. Whether it’s late at night, early morning or evening, you will find us actively and happily taking your bookings and serving right away. We don’t keep our clients waited for long, relax and enjoy our service whenever you feel.

  13. Our Ludhiana Escorts guarantees genuine happiness and pleasure to every man choosing us. We specialise in providing exceptional entertainment and relaxation exclusively for gentlemen. Recognising the challenges men face in finding personal time within their hectic routines, our service is meticulously crafted to facilitate the fulfilment of their well-deserved happiness. Opt for our proficient service and indulge in an unparalleled state of bliss by spending time with our captivating darlings.

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

  14. Our Ludhiana Escorts guarantees genuine happiness and pleasure to every man choosing us. We specialise in providing exceptional entertainment and relaxation exclusively for gentlemen. Recognising the challenges men face in finding personal time within their hectic routines, our service is meticulously crafted to facilitate the fulfilment of their well-deserved happiness. Opt for our proficient service and indulge in an unparalleled state of bliss by spending time with our captivating darlings.

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

    Ludhiana Escorts

  15. Booking the Delhi Escort Service is very easy. But you need to keep in mind some points before booking any Delhi Female Escorts. When you try to search for Escort Service in Delhi in the search engine you will find that there are a lot of agencies claiming that they are providing the best Escort Service in Delhi.

  16. We have always looked for giving the best time to our customers. Thus, we bring for you the finest Lucknow Escorts Service who are ready to give you the most exceptional time ever. Our girls are the good-looking ladies who come with the skill of giving an amazing and fin filled complete sexual time to the customers.

  17. We will make sure that you receive a complete treat of love and pleasure from us. Our services are designed to give the ultimate flavors of lovemaking to customers. Thus, we add everything in our services so that you get the finest taste of eroticism with us. Here you will get the most valuable time where you will be privileged with premium services. Each service of ours contains the exotic features that makes t better for the customers. Whether you are looking for some classic service or something latest, we are the best one who can provide you with incomparable sexual fun moment. Come to us and take our dehradun Escorts .

  18. Aside from wanting to be the best at what they do professionally, many people also are interested in being with cute and interesting Escorts Service in Noida . These desires may be legitimate, but satisfying them will require a lot of work.

  19. hello I’m anvikapoor 24 years young girl that are most popular in ludhiana for her amazing body figure and wonderful service provide with the satisfaction of the clients.interested guys must visit my official site or check my profile.
    http://www.ludhianaescort.com/
    Ludhiana Escorts
    Ludhiana Escorts
    Ludhiana Escorts
    Ludhiana Escorts
    Ludhiana Escorts
    Ludhiana Escorts
    Ludhiana Escorts
    Ludhiana Escorts
    Ludhiana Escorts
    Ludhiana Escorts
    Ludhiana Escorts
    Ludhiana Escorts

  20. What we have seen that clients infrequently enquire about the starting point of young ladies until they need a young lady to content visitors not versed with basic language like Hindi and English. You may solicit young ladies on the Escorts in Piccadily Hotels Delhi premise from build like well proportioned, thin, large butts ladies, tall or short notwithstanding enquiring about their aptitudes.

  21. Our celebrity Zirakpur Escort Service are highly professional and intelligent in their escort services and are very friendly and loving towards their clients which attracts them and provides them with their lovely service. Who knows, you might just make a lifelong relationship with him?

  22. Nice work! This is the type of info that should be shared across the net. Disgrace on Google for not positioning this publish higher! Come on over and talk over with my web site . Thanks =) Zirakpur call girls

  23. Hay Buddy! I am Sweta Singh. I am presently living in Pune. I am a college student but provide Pune escorts and call girls service in part time basis. I have a perfect bust along with a round back. I look very sexy in western outfit. Spend a night with me to make it hottest night of your life. You will definitely appreciate my company.

  24. Hi and welcome to my website. Myself Rupali Mathur. Actually I am from Darjeeling but presently living in Siliguri as a housewife. My husband often goes to Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai for days for his business work. I preferred to choose Siliguri escort service to get company from the loneliness. You will get a very caring treatment from me. I will provide you a best of class Siliguri escorts service.

  25. Hello guys! I am Rituparna Roy. Presently I fly from Bagdogra to Delhi as air hostess. My passion for sex had made me a part time Siliguri escort. I am sexy and beautiful. I am delicate and spoken. Being an airhostess I am very stylish too. You will spend your sexiest moments with me. I can give you a massive blow. Siliguri Female Escorts | Siliguri Call Girls.

  26. Dehradun is a scenic city in the Doon Valley of the majestic Himalayas. The city offers great nightlife too. You can relish your stay in the city with a captivating Dehradun call girl. You will have an amazing time with bold and smart Dehradun Call Girls.

  27. our premier Escorts in Aerocity offers a transformative Aerocity perience, fostering deep physical and emotional connections. Choose from our carefully curated selection of Aerocity Escorts to elevate your encounters.

  28. hello I’m vani sharma 24 years young girl a popular sex girl that satisfied their clients by providing her amazing service with proper discipline interested guys must visit or connect with me.
    jodhpur escorts
    Jodhpur Escorts
    Jodhpur Escorts
    Jodhpur Escorts
    Jodhpur Escorts
    Jodhpur Escorts
    Jodhpur Escorts
    Jodhpur Escorts

  29. We are seeking skilled and experienced developers to collaborate with us on the design and creation of a comprehensive matrimony script solution. Our goal is to develop a user-friendly platform that facilitates seamless matchmaking and enhances the user experience for individuals seeking life partners.

  30. Our sexy College Escorts in Aerocity always stay ready to serve you so that you can taste extreme adventure. There is real fun in the service of these girls. With these actual abbes, you can taste bona fide services from our escorts that will involve you in the greatest sexual happiness. The service of our escorts will be safe. You will get a hygienic treat from these girls. Stay assured that escorts provide protected sexual services. They always keep the secrets of the session safe with their customers.

  31. Lodhi Road is regarded as among the most significant and the most happening areas in Indian. With plenty to pick from like the night festivals and life, they’ve escort agencies too just like any other city. Lodhi Road escort providers are famed because of their Escorts in Lodhi Road . There are lots of escort agencies and one-of-a-kind living space where you could detect escorts.

  32. Hello I’m Vani sharma most popular and demanding girls fully honesty with our clients,we have more than 2k smart girls interested guys can contact me 24×7 Booking Available.
    Jodhpur Escorts

  33. hello I’m kavya sharma very mature and talented girl that fulfilled the requirements or queries of the clients.

  34. I’m fareen khan an popular and demanding girls in Chandigarh for providing the best service that full fill the requirement of the clients.Interested guys can contact me for more information, 24×7 calling facility available with our smart customer care team.
    Chandigarh Escorts

  35. Are you looking a partner who can fulfil your wish? Spend a relaxing evening with one of the lovely girls providing Call Girls Mumbai . Girls are seeking sexual partners from people. You may find a call girls in any major city that is tiny, blonde, black, or brown and ready to give you the time of your life—phone Numbers & Pics of Beautiful Mumbai Escorts.

  36. I sincerely appreciate your article’s thorough research and excellent writing. It piqued my interest so intensely that I felt compelled to keep reading. Your knowledge and ability are evident. Thank you very much for sharing your insights. By the way, look into SEO Services in Riverside.

  37. Simply browse our website to find the perfect companion for you, then contact us to make a reservation. Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you in finding the ideal escort for your needs and preferences. Bhiwandi Escorts Service ||

  38. We are a professional Pune Call girl offering our escort girls to provide their services at affordable prices. We provide call girls to different cities of India We always provide our best escort service with high-class hotel rooms, at affordable prices. All of our are very well-educated, talented, beautiful, and sexy girls

  39. I’m would have rather not uncovered this site page. I expected to thank you in your time for this, especially perplexing read Escort Service in Goa I genuinely without question delivered an impression of paying little mind to the full scale it and from having you saved to fav to check out at new information for your site.

  40. Hauz Khas call girls are renowned for their unmatched blend of charm and grace. Hauz Khas escort services never fail to make an impact, whether it’s through their exquisite smile, gorgeous eyes, or great sense of style. Hauz Khas Escorts can carry off any appearance with ease, whether they are dressed in traditional sarees or chic western clothes.

  41. This can include having a security team on standby, training providers on how to handle difficult situations, and providing access to resources such as counselors and support groups. Call Girls in Noida ||

  42. Another way to take our services is, to check our website. We are present online with our huge collection of jodhpur escorts. There are no charges for browsing through our website. Our webpage contains the profiles of our call girls along with a description of them and their pictures. The description is published so to give you an idea of how much efficient the girl is. You can also get a plan on what to try with the babe.

  43. Another way to take our services is, to check our website. We are present online with our huge collection of Call girls in Chandigarh. There are no charges for browsing through our website. Our webpage contains the profiles of our call girls along with a description of them and their pictures. The description is published so to give you an idea of how much efficient the girl is. You can also get a plan on what to try with the babe. Check on the profile pictures of the call girls. These pictures are real and are highly stimulating. Here we wish to assure you that we never entertain any sort of duplicity. Thus, we check every profile doubly so to ensure that every detail including the pictures given in the profiles is genuine.

  44. I am so delighted to go over this piece of affiliation, especially moving my layout to the going with a specific degree. Escort in Goa Staggering craftsmanship and continuing to in all likelihood get it going.

  45. A reasonable blog exceptionally ponders unequivocally overwhelming information and zeroing in on that taking out Allahabad Escorts I obviously have felt that this blog is having the standard’s credit that qualifies a weblog to be one.

  46. I’m delighted to track down such a ton of supportive information here in the post. Escort Service in Goa especially so ecstatic atrial and call young woman so a fair post and a very looking young woman post and kissing affiliations. thankful to you for sharing the post.

  47. We present the best quantity of high-quality dehradun escorts at your service. These girls are known for making the best effort to give one their moment of sexual pleasure. Choose us as we will deliver the top-notch call girls at your service. You will find a new list every time you connect with us. We do provide real services to the beautiful call girls who have always helped customers in feeling excitement and thrill. We always work on certain ethics and maintain transparency in services. Also, our services are available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Contact us.

  48. Are you thinking whether you can avail the service of the Jodhpur Escorts Service or not? If you are thinking that the price of availing the service of our call girls will make a big hole in your pocket then you are mistaken. We have designed our services by keeping our customers in mind.

  49. hello I’m jodhpur escorts 24 years young girls a popular sex girl that satisfied their clients by providing her amazing service with proper discipline interested guys must visit or connect with me.

  50. A commitment of appreciation is everything considered for the shocking spread you scattered. Escorts in Goa I like the way in which you paint the extraordinary substance. The focuses you improve are legitimate and reasonable. I’m unequivocal assistance with acing portraying for you

  51. Excellent article, it was uncommonly useful! I just started in this and I’m turning out to be more familiar with it better. Chandigarh Escorts The post is written in an exceptionally decent way and it contains numerous helpful data for me. Many thanks and will search for additional postings from you.

  52. I’m obviously volatile to say that truly is a genuinely reestablishing article to work with everything. Goa Escort I will know new information from the article; you are working acceptably. Keep on moving!

  53. Doing a gathering with their accomplices and workers is vital. Escorts in Delhi The explanation is that gathering will take care of the issues and things become so reasonable. Thus, I love this way of behaving at this school and I love this article to such an extent

  54. Book the most reliable and affordable call girls in Goa with our top escort agency. Enjoy VIP models and premier Escort service in Goa

  55. Relationships with good communication mean providing support, companionship, and a sense of connection that is important for the social well-being of humans. The best tip for communication with escort girls is through Munirka Escorts Service . A professional agency will provide numbers of their team members to customers. One can develop a connection with these bombshells and talk about various topics.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *