Oppenheimer Legacies and Humanity's Future
CASBS was conceived in the early 1950s in direct response to humanity’s entry into the nuclear age, a global cold war between nuclear superpowers, and with a vision of expanding knowledge of human affairs in light of technological developments. This origin and impetus, followed by the Center’s 70 years of nurturing cross-disciplinary social and behavioral science research that continues today, constitute an unanticipated living legacy of J. Robert Oppenheimer and his collaborators on the Manhattan Project.
The Center shares a second legacy bestowed by Oppenheimer’s brother, Frank Oppenheimer, the pioneering visionary behind and founding director of the Exploratorium, the iconic San Francisco museum and learning laboratory for exploring science, art, and perception. Both CASBS and the Exploratorium – institutions of scientific inquiry, discovery, and illumination – align in kindred missions of advancing public understandings of science, societal challenges, and the world around us.
Consider these legacies on the 2024 global stage. The scientific and technological innovations that have and will continue to promote human flourishing inspire awe. Yet we encounter persistent threats to humanity’s security and ability to thrive – unfolding environmental catastrophes, unrelenting wars, a still-deadly health pandemic – as well as numerous potential crises – for example, the prospect of inadequate regulation or value misalignment in the design of autonomous AI technologies. What are the ethical responsibilities of technologists, natural scientists, and social scientists in navigating through complex moral issues with a sense of democratic accountability? How do we instill an ethos of equity in cultivating succeeding generations of scientists for the benefit of all – including historically underserved communities and populations? What are the imperatives for technologists, natural scientists, and social scientists in better preparing humanity for the future?
Charles Oppenheimer and Kate Oppenheimer, grandchildren of J. Robert Oppenheimer and Frank Oppenheimer, respectively, and Exploratorium senior scientist Dr. Isabel Hawkins joined in conversation with moderator Joshua Sokol and interrogated these vital questions and challenges.
Enjoy this gallery of photos from the event and accompanying reception. (Photos by Nina Menconi/La Palma Studio)
