Our Intellectual Debate: Men in Suits

Our Intellectual Debate: Men in Suits

7 October 2026

I had not planned to write today because I have a lot of work to do. But still, just a few words.

In the newspaper, there were reports on two interesting lectures. The first was Human Rights Begin Here. At first glance, very interesting. But then it suddenly dawns on me. The keynote is almost entirely silent about the other human rights: economic, social and cultural rights.

Human rights are not limited to civil and political rights, about which we could also make quite a few critical observations. Transparency, for example, continues to deteriorate. But the situation regarding those other human rights is distressing: poverty, healthcare, education and housing. It is troubling that a keynote on human rights makes no reference to these issues.

A second lecture deals with AI and how it can help people in their work in the future. But there is no mention of the fundamental debates currently taking place: whether humans can maintain control over AI and the growing indications that AI may affect people's ability to think independently.

We should be concerned about these distinguished conferences, because there seems to be a disconnect from reality.

But there is a positive side to this. It is an invitation to take a more critical stance in our intellectual debate.

Miguel Goede