NEW in Toronto: AI and Morality

Brains and Barstools brings captivating professors to bars in Canada for vivid lectures that spark curiosity and connection over drinks. On November 9th, we present : "AI and Morality" by Prof. Jason Plaks As artificial intelligence takes on increasingly important responsibilities - from making recommendations to influencing decisions with real-world consequences - we’re facing a new kind of moral dilemma: when an AI makes a mistake, who do we hold responsible? Do we judge an AI’s actions by the same standards we apply to people? Does intention matter if the outcome is harmful? And how do we decide who deserves blame when the decision-maker isn’t human? In this talk, Prof. Jason Plaks explores the psychology behind how people judge AI when it breaks the rules, causes harm, or makes a questionable decision. Drawing on recent experiments from his lab, he’ll examine how people assign blame, interpret intent, and navigate questions of moral responsibility in human-AI interactions. As AI systems become more integrated into everyday life, understanding how we judge their actions - and the people behind them - becomes increasingly important. The answers, it turns out, may not be as straightforward as we expect. 💡 About the incredible Professor Jason Plaks Prof. Jason Plaks is a social psychologist at the University of Toronto, where he has worked since 2007. He earned his BA from Princeton University and his PhD from Columbia University. His research focuses on moral psychology: how people reason through everyday moral dilemmas, form judgments about others, and make sense of motivation, politics, and morality. He has published more than 65 academic articles across these areas. 📅 Date: November 9, 2026 🕡 Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM 📍 Location: Chef's Hall 🎤 Speaker: Prof. Jason Plaks 🎟 Seats are limited!