Published: 03.04.2025
In collaboration with the Faculty of Economics and Administration at the University of Pardubice, another edition of the event Society and its Governance took place on Wednesday, April 2nd, focusing this time on the future. Students had the opportunity to attend inspiring lectures throughout the day, where guests reflected on current and pressing issues in today’s world.
The Faculty of Arts and Philosophy invited Tadeáš Žďárský from the initiative Nerůst NaZemi, who discussed the incompatibility of continuous economic growth with the effort to save the planet. In short, to protect the Earth, we must seek alternatives to capitalism.
Another guest was Martin Richter, co-founder of Aignos, who introduced the possibilities of using generative artificial intelligence for simulating reality. In his lecture, he also addressed the negative aspects of AI, particularly its impact on artistic creation. As an example, he mentioned a design for the cover of a university magazine, where artificial intelligence led to conformity and the suppression of the author’s personal touch.
The highlight of the day’s program was the lecture by Matt Field, the British Ambassador to the Czech Republic. Matt Field, who studied anthropology, religious studies, and business studies, was the perfect guest connecting the economic and humanities focus of both faculties. In his lecture, he pointed out that today’s world is changing faster than ever before—perhaps most significantly since the end of World War II. Therefore, he believes it is crucial to constantly conduct a reality check and reflect on what is happening around us.
In connection with artificial intelligence, he emphasized that every crisis brings new opportunities. He also reminded the audience that both Czechs and Brits have many reasons to be proud.
Matt Field concluded his speech with an optimistic call: "Being curious is the greatest superpower."
Photo: Adrián Zeiner, University of Pardubice
Text: Jan Pražák, Faculty of Arts and Philosophy, University of Pardubice
