Cambridge Skeptics

The topic of psychological harm has come into sharp focus in the advent of several disruptive technologies that we simply cannot avoid engaging with. Social media, smart home devices, chatbots, virtual reality simulators, and ever advancing generative AI involve artificial systems that support and assist our professional and personal activities. At what point do our interactions with artificial systems cross over from making our lives easier, to structurally changing us emotionally and behaviorally in irrecoverable ways? In fact, when it comes to designing laws, policy, regulations and guidance, the challenge to introducing protections against psychological harm requires identifying who or what is liable for the psychological harm that could be experienced, and what a proportional punitive response looks like? But, we can't address any of these questions without first operationally defining psychological harm and measuring it.

Prof. Magda Osman is Head of Research and Analysis Centre for Science and Policy, University of Cambridge, as well as Principal Researcher Associate of basic and applied decision-making at the Judge Business School, University of Cambridge. She also holds a position (Prof) at Leeds Business School, University of Leeds, supporting policy impact. She is a psychologist by training, with a specific interest in decision-making under risk and uncertainty, risk analysis and causal analysis, folk beliefs in the manipulation of the unconscious, as well as an interest in examining effectiveness of methods of behavioural change. She works closely with others in disciplines including: cognitive science, machine learning, management, philosophy, linguistics, neuroscience, behavioural economics, and medical sciences.Also interested in science communication, and understanding effective ways of engaging the public on matters related to social policy.

Please note, due to venue regulations, events are open to over 18s only.

As business leaders solemnly profess dedication to principles of environmental and social justice, their actions often betray an enduring commitment to the neoliberal idea of maximizing profit. Hiding behind the mirage of ESG, sustainability and corporate social responsibility, traditional corporations continue to exploit the very resources and communities essential to their success. In his recent book, The Profiteers, Cambridge professor Christopher Marquis shows it’s not enough to blame and shame—or even to reform the worst corporate actors. We must rethink and transform the entire system, leaving behind the current model of shareholder primacy to create a new, regenerative paradigm. He will also discuss a new generation of leaders doing just that - by taking actions to minimize their negative impacts and create new ways to properly absorb their hidden costs, they are providing blueprints to move the needle on vexing social and environmental issues.

Christopher Marquis is the Sinyi Professor of Management at the University of Cambridge and author of The Profiteers: How Business Privatizes Profits and Socializes Costs. His research examines business sustainability and social entrepreneurship, and he has written two prior award-winning books, including Better Business: How the B Corp Movement Is Remaking Capitalism and Mao and Markets: The Communist Roots of Chinese Enterprise, the latter was a Financial Times Best Book of 2022. Marquis is passionate about how academic research can help people around the world address some of the biggest crises of our day — including climate change, inequality, and discrimination. Before Cambridge Marquis worked at Cornell for 6 years, and Harvard for 11 years. He has a PhD in sociology from the University of Michigan and previously worked for six years in the financial services industry, most recently as a Vice President at JP Morgan Chase.

Please note, due to venue regulations, events are open to over 18s only.