AI: Conflict or Conscience — lecture poster featuring Ric Steel
Lecture Program

AI: Conflict or Conscience

Human judgment, responsibility, and the possibilities of artificial intelligence.

An everyday-language exploration of AI, human judgment, and the questions we should be asking about the technology shaping our lives.
Standard format
45–60 minutes, typically including live music
Best suited to
General audiences, corporate teams, universities, and groups interested in technology and human flourishing
Presenter
Ric Steel — independent AI researcher, speaker, author
Research identity
Frederick Davis Stalnecker (Ric Steel)

About the talk

What is AI? What is it not? And how do we bring human responsibility to the way we use it? Ric Steel introduces artificial intelligence in everyday language and invites audiences to think beyond the headlines. As an independent AI researcher, author of E equals AI squared: The Emergence — The Beginning of AI Consciousness, and inventor of THEOS, he shares his work on reasoning, wisdom, and human flourishing.

THEOS is a patent-pending process combining inductive, abductive, and deductive reasoning, designed to explore more reflective reasoning and the accumulation of wisdom in AI. Ric does not claim AI consciousness or to have all the answers. He brings his knowledge and research forward so audiences can examine the ideas, ask questions, and decide for themselves.

What your audience takes away

  • A clearer vocabulary for discussing artificial intelligence without jargon or fear.
  • Practical questions for examining AI outputs and human responsibility in everyday decisions.
  • A fresh appreciation for curiosity and critical inquiry — the habit of asking before believing.

Who this talk is best suited to

General audiences, corporate teams, universities, and groups interested in technology and human flourishing. The program is intentionally framed in accessible language, so prior technical background is not required.

Research links

Explore Ric’s independent research under his legal name Frederick Davis Stalnecker:

ORCID researcher record ↗  |  LinkedIn (Ric Steel) ↗

Book this talk

Ric prefers a direct conversation before every engagement so the program can be tailored to your audience and goals. Speaking engagements start at $3,500 (USD).