On Wednesday evening, members and friends of the synagogue gathered for a fascinating conversation with Professor Richard Susskind CBE, the leading thinker on law, technology, and the future of artificial intelligence.
In discussion with John Wilford, Richard spoke expansively about his latest book How To Think About AI: A Guide for the Perplexed, exploring what AI really is, how it may shape our world, and what it means for our daily lives. His answers were engaging, clear, and often thought-provoking, leaving the audience both better informed and eager to continue reflecting on this rapidly evolving field.
We didn’t record the session but here is the full seminar he gave with the Oxford Martin School on the subject earlier in 2025
The evening was wide-ranging, with topics moving from the history of AI to its possible futures—both hopeful and dystopian. Questions touched on the impact of AI on work, education, health, justice, and even sport and family life. Richard’s insights combined deep expertise with humour and accessibility, making a complex subject understandable for all. Audience members also posed their own questions, ensuring a lively and interactive discussion.
The evening closed with a warm thanks from Lord John Dyson who said that this was not just an educational event, but also an opportunity for our community to think together about the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
