Moshe Vardi - Technology and Democracy

TECHNOLOGY AND DEMOCRACY - CAN THEY COEXIST IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA?
(INTRODUCTION WRITTEN BY JOSEPH COLANGELO)

United States society is in the throes of deep societal polarization that not only leads to political paralysis, but also threatens the very foundations of democracy. The phrase “The Dis-United States of America” is often mentioned-the “Us vs Them” mentality.

Widespread social media use has fueled the fire of extreme polarization, which, in turn has contributed to the erosion of trust in democratic values, elections and even scientific facts. Other countries are displaying similar polarization.

How did we get here? What went wrong? Are there any workable solutions and what is the role of government especially since the Russians, Chinese, Iranians and other Governments are already suspected of engaging in widespread programs of social disinformation aimed at the United States. Plus, Chinese social media and business sites spent decades in the U.S. and have complied a vast storehouse of information on most Americans.

Professor Moshe Vardi will explain his theory that the combination of Technology and Economics yielded our current societal polarization and offer some possible solutions.

The Rotary Club of Houston presents a unique opportunity to hear one of the leading Computer Scientists in the country, The product of an Israeli Kibbutz and a veteran of two Middle Eastern Wars, son of two holocaust survivors, unbelievably skilled in technology, but one who advises his Rice University students to consider a life of Service, Dedication and Sacrifice for the betterment of our world.

Please plan to attend and invite you friends as we discuss one of the most critical issues facing our country delivered by one of the most outspoken computer scientists who in 2013 predicted that “INTELLIGENT MACHINES MAY ONE DAY REPLACE HUMAN WORKERS ALMOST ENTIRELY AND…PUT MILLIONS OUT OF WORK PERMANENTLY.”

You won’t want to miss this special Rotary Club of Houston event.

MOSHE Y. VARDI

Moshe Y. Vardi is a University Professor, and the George Distinguished Service Professor in Computational Engineering at Rice University.  He is the author and co-author of over 750 papers, as well as two books.  He is the recipient of several scientific awards, is a fellow of several societies, and a member of several honorary academies. He holds nine honorary titles.  He is a Senior Editor of Communications of the ACM, the premier publication in computing, focusing on societal impact of
information technology.

VIRTUAL MEETING THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2023