The May 7, 2026 University of Leicester Sluckin Lecture by Anil Seth on Consciousness, AI Is a Waste

2026-05-05 · Source: HackerNoon · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Social Sciences & Behavioral Studies, Research Methodology & Innovation · Depth: Intermediate, medium

Summary

The University of Leicester's School of Psychology and Vision Sciences is criticized for inviting Anil Seth to deliver the Sluckin Lecture on May 7, 2026, focusing on consciousness. The author argues that this topic, and Seth's contributions to it, offer nothing new or useful, especially given the UK's heightened national threat level and urgent societal needs like preventing hate crimes or advancing mental health. The lecture's theme, "controlled hallucinations" as a basis for consciousness, is questioned for its tangible value and applicability to solving real-world problems like schizophrenia or addiction. The author contrasts Seth's focus on consciousness as "feeling and being" versus intelligence as "doing," asserting that this distinction lacks a robust neuroscientific model and diverts resources from more pressing research into human intelligence and mental health.

Key takeaway

For academic institutions planning public lectures or research initiatives, you should critically evaluate whether the chosen topic and speaker offer novel, useful, and relevant contributions to urgent societal problems. Prioritize themes that advance human mental health, intelligence, or address pressing social issues, rather than repeating established discussions that lack clear therapeutic or practical applications, to maintain credibility and societal impact.

Key insights

Focusing on consciousness research without tangible applications wastes resources and neglects urgent societal problems.

Principles

• Research should prioritize progress and therapeutic utility.
• Labels like "consciousness" should not obscure brain mechanisms.

In practice

• Prioritize research with clear applications to mental health.
• Evaluate academic events for tangible value and societal relevance.

Topics

• Sluckin Lecture
• Anil Seth
• Consciousness Science
• Controlled Hallucinations
• AI Consciousness

Best for: AI Ethicist, Research Scientist

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by HackerNoon.