Andrei Marga, Professor and Former Rector of Babeș-Bolyai University and Former Romanian Minister of National Education, will share his insights on reason and resilience in today’s world and explore how to avoid a dystopian future.

“Reason is more than just a faculty of knowledge; it is a vision of reality and a framework for organizing life. In a world shaped by modernization, we are confronted with challenges such as AI risks and the fragmentation of democracy. We need a nuanced understanding of rationality and a commitment to values like justice, equity, and civics to address these. By reconnecting with integrity and individuality. We can build a society that respects freedom and prevents dystopian outcomes.”

Dystopia today stems from the unchecked rise of artificial intelligence and various societal failures, including the erosion of democracy, the decline of reason, and the spread of corruption and mediocrity. Contrary to the idea of a “flattened” world, we must embrace respect for personal, community, or national individuality. Reconnecting with holistic reason is key to overcoming modern life’s fragmentation and compromises.

A free mind is essential for navigating the challenges of our time. True freedom thrives with justice and equity, and democracy requires sovereignty and sound reasoning. Ultimately, society’s survival hinges on not just holding values but translating them into action. Civics, culture, and integrity are crucial in safeguarding against a dystopian future