Download full Report here.
Date: July 10, 2026
The international symposium “Artificial Intelligence, Ethics, and Democracy” was held on 19 Tir 1405 (10 July 2026) at the Iranian House of Wisdom in Vienna. Organized to mark the Persian translation and publication of four books by Professor Mark Coeckelbergh, the event brought together prominent European, American, and Iranian scholars to examine the profound philosophical, ethical, and political implications of artificial intelligence.
Participants characterized AI not merely as a technological innovation but as a transformative force reshaping social structures, political systems, and ethical responsibility. Central themes included democratic challenges such as algorithmic manipulation of public opinion, proliferation of misinformation, erosion of citizen agency, and risks of power concentration. Discussions also emphasized the urgent need for robust legal-ethical frameworks to ensure corporate accountability and prevent the reproduction of human biases in algorithmic systems.
Professor Mark Coeckelbergh advocated moving beyond conventional AI ethics toward a political philosophy of artificial intelligence, warning of “techno-fascism” and epistemic erosion while calling for digital humanism and global governance. Professor David J. Gunkel explored logocentrism and the redefinition of authorship in the machine age. Dr. Amir Horr analyzed the evolution of human knowledge and the imperative of human-centered intelligence. Dr. Rouhollah Eslami classified political approaches to AI, while Dr. Reza Gholami stressed the publicization of philosophy and revival of intellectual authority to safeguard truth and democratic deliberation.
The symposium represented a significant contribution to interdisciplinary and intercultural dialogue on harmonizing technological advancement with human dignity and democratic resilience.
Watch the full video of the speeches on YouTube here.
