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Department of Informatics
Departmentof Informatics

Photo: UHH/Denstorf

Public Lecture Series "Taming the Machines"Public Lecture: Implicit Knowledge in Human-Machine Relationships. A Philosophical Investigation

14 January 2026

Two digitally illustrated green playing cards on a white background, with the letters A and I in capitals and lowercase calligraphy over modified photographs of human mouths in profile.

Photo: Alina Constantin / Better Images of AI / Handmade A.I / CC-BY 4.0

In her lecture on Januar 14, 2026, Prof. Dr. Gabriele Gramelsberger (RWTH Aachen) examines the naturalization of digital technology as envisioned by Mark Weiser, focusing on how miniaturization and intuitive access bring the digital closer to emotions and everyday life. From a philosophical perspective, it analyses the increasing acceptance of digital technology as an affective infrastructure and the consequences for us, highlighting the important role of implicit knowledge in this naturalization process. The talk questions whether naturalization tames machines or rather compels us to adapt to their rationality.

About the lecture

When: 14.01.2026, 18:15 - 19:45 CET/Berlin time

Where:

  • If you'll join us on-site, you will find us here: Flü­gelbau Ost, 2. OG, Raum O 221, Ed­mund-Siemers-Allee 1, 20146 Ham­burg
  • For joining us virtual at the Zoom Webinar: The access data for the webinar will be sent to you by e-mail after registration on our research group’s website and are valid for all lectures of the series.

Registration and complete program of „Taming the Machines“ lecture series:
https://www.inf.uni-hamburg.de/en/inst/ab/eit/taming-the-machines/winter25-26.html