intimate one-on-ones
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beautiful ethics audits
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experiential AI and robot ethics workshops
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polymathic research
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intimate one-on-ones 〰️ beautiful ethics audits 〰️ experiential AI and robot ethics workshops 〰️ polymathic research 〰️
AI and robot-ethics that meets the moment with intimacy and care
Founded by philosopher and ethicist, Madelaine Ley, PhD., WaySeeing Ethics is a boutique consultancy specializing in the ways AI and robots shape our relationships and planetary ecology. We help individuals, organizations, and businesses explore the ethical intuitions they already have about AI and robotics, while also refining these insights through intimate one-on-ones, uniquely beautiful audits, experiential learning, and polymathic research.
Deep disturbances are afoot.
The way people are using AI-systems, and will use humanoid robots in the coming years, is changing how humans learn, move, communicate, create, and relate to the world around them. To understand these shifts we can’t just focus on the technologies alone. A dynamic and multifaceted approach is needed. Yet, most AI-ethics and robot-ethics conversations are quickly reduced to listing risks and opportunities, pros and cons. This just continues the binary patterning of a computer.
WaySeeing Ethics invites you to slip the computational patterns becoming ingrained in our thinking. We’re more interesting than that. And so are the times we’re living in.
This isn’t your grandfather’s ethics.
Let’s be honest. Most times you meet an ethicist, you’re sitting in a mandatory course or something has gone seriously wrong. And instead of discussing the things you’re actually worried about, you hear about someone else’s framework and principles. Perhaps, like Madelaine, you leave frustrated. Angry, even.
WaySeeing Founder, Madelaine Ley, was so disappointed by the way ethics was taught that she dropped out of university. After bartending a few years (a bootcamp for conversational skills), she found her way back into a master’s in philosophy and bioethics, then a PhD in Ethics of Technology, specializing in robotics and AI. What kept her coming back?
If you take away the formulas and complicated terminology, ethical questions were about how we live, speak to one another, eat our meals, and fit in our communities.
There’s nothing boring or abstract about that. Ethics isn’t just an academic field, but a practice you do and a sensitivity you cultivate. And with the latest wave of AI-systems and robots, ethical awareness is an urgently needed practical skill for technologists and citizens alike.
Because how we design and use our technologies is how we design ourselves and our place on the planet.
Services
What if an ethics audit, report, or workshop wasn’t a bore, but an opportunity for reflection and a source of inspiration?
For technical folk, who want to incorporate ethical practices.
For everyone else, who wants to understand how technology shapes their world.
WaySeeing Ethics specializes in the following AI and robotics applications:
care settings and dynamics
social media and chatbots
education
retail systems
agriculture and food systems
ecology
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60 minutes of Madelaine’s undivided attention.
This is for individuals who want to bounce ideas, get input and feedback on a project, or chat about your tech-related worries or dreams.
[$300/hr CAD)
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A keynote shouldn’t be a unidirectional transfer of information. Madelaine practices attunement in her talks, adapting to the needs of the room in real-time.
Current keynotes include:
“We’re Too Ready for Robots”
“Technology is our Earthly Kin”
“Ethics isn’t a Framework. It’s Alive”
“Retail Technology Shapes our World”
Madelaine’s interdisciplinary training and enthusiastic curiosity also makes for strong moderating.
To learn more, please use the contact form.
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No more uninspiring ethics education! During a workshop or short course with WaySeeing Ethics, you’ll learn new concepts, but more importantly, you’ll be given time to tap into the ethical wisdom you already hold within you.
Depending on need, workshops and short courses range from 90 minutes, half-day, and full day. Each session blends accessible ethical theory with experiential learning (eg. imagination practice, ecological meditation, speculative storytelling).
Current WaySeeing Ethics workshops and courses:
Ethics for AI Developers
What is AI? (for those with non-technical background)
Ethics for Roboticists
How To Approach Robots (for those with non-technical background)
Ethics for Retail Technology
Ethics for Engineers
Critical Thinking and Imagination in Digital Life
Contemplative Practices to Keep Your Creative Sovereignty
To see what topic and format is best for you, book a thirty minute call here
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Audits don’t have to be boring or scary. They are beautiful opportunities to reflect on your products, systems, practices, and visions.
Beautiful Ethics Audits vary depending on needs, ranging from one day to months. Each will include deep-listening conversations, attentive observation, and a report with thoughtful suggestions and resources. Your team will learn from the process and feel inspired afterwards.
Price is determined according to project. Book 30 minutes, free of charge here
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Differing from a Beautiful Ethics Audit, consulting involves working in real-time with a team as they consider designing or adopting a new AI-system or robotic technology.
When necessary, Madelaine will draw on her extensive global network of thought leaders, academic, and practitioners to support the project.
Price is determined according to project. Book 30 minutes, free of charge here
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Make use of Madelaine’s interdisciplinary academic training (philosophy, ethics, history of science, ecology, systems-thinking, somatics, contemplative practice, with a hint of cognitive studies), and her accessible writing style.
Current interests include:
Educational shifts
Relational shifts from introduction of chatbots and humanoid robots
Expanding people’s perception to include ecological realities of everyday technology
Price is determined according to project. Book 30 minutes, free of charge here