The Charlotte Center Forum featuring Meghan O'Gieblyn

Participate in the important questions of our time. The Forum is a conversation and speaker series that brings people together through the lens of the humanities and civic imagination. You’re invited to the November 10, 2026 gathering of The Forum featuring Meghan O'Gieblyn Join the Charlotte Center for Humanities for an illuminating evening with acclaimed essayist and bestselling author Meghan O'Gieblyn, one of today's most original voices exploring the intersection of technology, philosophy, religion, and culture. Drawing from her newly published memoir, Will and Attention, and her celebrated book God, Human, Animal, Machine: Technology, Metaphor, and the Search for Meaning, Meghan examines enduring questions about our humanity: • What power do we have over ourselves? • How do machines shape the way we think about consciousness, identity, free will, and even the soul? • What happens when technology begins to take on the language—and promises—once reserved for religion? The evening begins with a light reception, offering guests the opportunity to gather before settling in for an engaging onstage conversation with Meghan. Together, we'll explore the ideas driving today's debates about artificial intelligence, the future of humanity, and the enduring search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. Whether you're fascinated by AI, philosophy, ethics, science, or simply curious about the forces shaping our future, this promises to be an evening of thoughtful conversation that will challenge assumptions, spark new ideas, and leave you seeing today's technological revolution through an entirely new lens. The conversation with Meghan will be moderated by Jessica Parker, Ed.D., co-host of the Women Talkin' 'Bout AI podcast. Join us for an unforgettable evening with one of America's most insightful essayists as we explore the timeless question at the heart of our technological moment: What does it mean to be human? Connect. Consider. Ignite. Doors open at 6:00 to mix and mingle. The program runs from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM including time for conversation, connections, and Q&A. The Forum has a three-part structure: • First third: Opening remarks, performance, and audience prompt and connection; • Middle third: Featured presentation with audience Q&A; • Final third: Audience prompt and closing. THE HUMANITIES | Languages | Literature | History | Philosophy | Religion | And More About The Charlotte Center The Charlotte Center is a community forum and civic action catalyst that invites curious people into meaningful connection and problem-solving informed by deep consideration of the human experience. Our mission is to help people and communities flourish. The Charlotte Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. We are supported by individual donors, grants, sponsorships, and revenue from our programs. We invite you to join us. thecharlottecenter.org