On Thursday, December 6 at 5:15pm in Room 1-190, we will be hosting, along with the MIT Faculty Newsletter, a panel discussion on MIT’s relationship with the Saudi Arabian government and monarchy. The horrific murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi has spurred MIT to reassess its engagement with Saudi Arabia. This is good news and a good start. However, much needs to be done if MIT is to seriously consider the ethical demands on any relationship the Institute nurtures—whether individual, corporate or with a nation-state.
Looking Forward and Reflecting Back
Posted by:
Patricia-Maria Weinmann
Monday, November 26, 2018
As we return to campus following the Thanksgiving break, we here at Radius are grateful to have been able to catch our collective breath before heading into the last of the semester. As we enjoyed a few days to reflect and express gratitude for all we have and for the people in our lives, that circle includes the amazing array or speakers we've hosted this semester. In particular, the speakers for our series on the 2018 Elections provided invaluable insights into the election.
Hope endures
Posted by:
Shannon Schmidt
Monday, November 19, 2018
Without hope, there is no reason to vote. No reason to protest, nor to stand up against daunting challenges like climate change. Hope is the only thing that makes it rational to participate in any of these actions, because hope is the binding agent of all of our greatest efforts to actualize justice in a world which continually manifests injustice. Hope finds us in our Apocalypses.
Probing the Ethics of Innovation
Posted by:
Christina Couch
Saturday, November 3, 2018
Since the 20th century, the United States has been a “Miracle Machine” of innovation, pioneering groundbreaking inventions ranging from the Internet to genetic editing tools to artificial intelligence systems. These innovations have been life-changing, but their widespread deployment has also brought unintended ethical, and social consequences that, in some cases, have put our health, happiness, and democracy in danger.
Tech Is Broken. How Do We Fix It?
Posted by:
Patricia-Maria Weinmann
Saturday, October 27, 2018
This Wednesday, we have the pleasure of hosting Moria Weigel and Ben Tarnoff, two prominent tech journalists and authors. Both Moira and Ben have written extensively about the tech industry and the increasing scrutiny of these industries.
How Do We Engage in Civil Conversations in An Age of Polarization?
Posted by:
Patricia-Maria Weinmann and Derek Black
Sunday, October 21, 2018
This Wednesday, we will host our 4th (in a series of 5) program focusing on the November elections. Derek Black with join us as we grapple with issues of white supremacy, racism and the intense polarization that currently exists in the US. Below, Derek writes about some of his thoughts that he will share with us on Wednesday. Please join us.
Befriending Pain
Posted by:
Thea Keith-Lucas
Monday, October 8, 2018
We can observe our sensations with a friendly detachment, neither holding them close nor pushing them away.
The Thin Veneer of Civilization
Posted by:
Patricia-Maria Weinmann
Sunday, September 30, 2018
On Tuesday, September 25, former General Michael Hayden spoke to a packed audience in 10-250; an event entitled "Assault on Intelligence: American National Security in An Age of Lies" which is also the title of Hayden’s new book. Both the former Director of the CIA (2006-2009) and the NSA (1999-2005), Hayden has never been known as a liberal political figure.
MIT Day of Action!
Posted by:
Patricia-Maria Weinmann
Sunday, April 15, 2018
A year ago, a group of MIT students, faculty and staff joined together to create a day of learning focused on critical issues of our times. The day provided a full calendar of lectures, panels and information sessions on topics ranging from nuclear disarmament, sustainabiilty, foreign, national and economic policy, climate change, social justice issues, activism and many more. The day was an incredible success with over 1500 people participating throughout the day and evening.
The Monsters We Create
Posted by:
Patricia-Maria Weinmann
Saturday, February 24, 2018
One of the gems of our community is the MIT Press which publishes 220 books yearly, primarily focusing on science, technology and invention. It’s a special moment, however, when one book becomes a bit of a sensation.