Richard David Precht at Alanus University
‘Education in Times of AI’ – Keynote and Discussion

How is artificial intelligence changing our understanding of education and learning? On 4 September 2026, philosopher, publicist, and bestselling author Richard David Precht will be a guest at the Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences in Alfter near Bonn. At the invitation of a master’s student and the Department of Educational Science, he will speak from 7 pm under the title ‘Education in Times of AI’ about the challenges artificial intelligence poses for education and pedagogical practice.

Afterwards, Precht will discuss the impact of AI on pedagogy and society with students and the audience. The discussion will be moderated by Prof. Dr. Jost Schieren, Dean of the Department of Educational Science and Professor of School Pedagogy with a focus on Waldorf education.

Precht takes a critical view of the idea that technical intelligence can simply replace human abilities. In his 2020 essay ‘Artificial Intelligence and the Meaning of Life’, he already asks what constitutes human thought and action when machines become ever more powerful. In his new book ‘Told Out? How Artificial Intelligence Abolishes Culture’, which will be published in October 2026, he sharpens this question: if AI not only thinks faster but also works creatively, what then remains of human creativity, education, and culture?

The event is open to the public and free of charge.

When:
Friday, 4 September 2026 | 7:00 to 8:15 pm

Location:
Alanus University, Campus II – Villestraße (Foyer)
Villestraße 3, 53347 Alfter