Areas of Inquiry

Conference Themes

At a time when artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, and other exponential technologies are reshaping society, we believe the most important questions remain deeply human. Through keynote lectures, panel discussions, and community engagement, the conference creates a space where ancient wisdom and modern innovation can meet. 

• Keynote Speakers

• Mini-Lectures

• Panel Discussions

• Book Fair

• Silent Auction

• Raffle

• Vendors

• Awards

• Lunch provided

Distinguished Voices

Keynotes & Featured Speakers

Conference Schedule

9:00 – 9:15 AM

Welcome & Opening

Nathan Brown, John Harney, Maria Harney — Conference Organizers and Moderators

• Welcome & Hermetic Consistory Foundation

• Purpose and vision of the conference

• Housekeeping & setting the tone

9:15 – 10:00 AM

KEYNOTE I

AI/Robots and the Future of Humanity: A Survey of Ethical Issues

Professor Keith Abney

30–35 min lecture · 10–15 min Q&A

10:00 – 10:25 AM

Featured Lecture

Beyond Earth: Medicine, AI, and the Ethical Future of Human Exploration

Dr. Susan Ip-Jewell

10:25 – 10:50 AM

Featured Lecture

Epistemic Injustice and Generative AI: How Gen-AI Can Cause Unjust Epistemic Harm through Concept Association

Dr. Fran Fairbairn

10:50 – 11:15 AM

Featured Lecture

The Grail, the Cube, and the Lost Wor

Dru Wood

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

PANEL I

Exponential technologies, Ethics, and Human Agency

Keith Abney, Susan Ip-Jewell, Fran Fairbairn, Dru Wood

Moderator: Nathan Brown

Audience Q&A

12:30 – 1:30 PM

Lunch & Social

Lunch · Book Fair · Silent Auction · Networking

Speaker Meet & Greet

1:30 – 2:30 PM

KEYNOTE II

Technology, Meaning, and the Crisis of Civilization (tentative)

John Michael Greer

2:35 – 3:00 PM

Featured Lecture

From Plato to AI: Why Minds and Civilizations Flourish or Collapse

HIRH Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan Al-Nu'man VIII

3:00 – 3:25 PM

Featured Lecture

The Soul Beyond Fate: The Nag Hammadi Hermetic Texts as a School of Ascent

Daniel Rivera

3:35 – 4:00 PM

Featured Lecture

Pastoral Theology, Leadership, and Ethics in an Automated Society

Revd. Gary Noonan

4:00 – 4:15 PM

Mini-Lecture

Humans and Machines: Who Is Forming Whom in the Age of Technology?

Dr. Maria Harney

4:15 – 5:00 PM

PANEL II

Civilizational perspective: Ancient Wisdom and Technological Futures

John Michael Greer, Prince Gharios, Daniel Rivera, Gary Noonan

Moderator: Susan Jewell

Audience Q&A

5:00 PM

Closing Remarks

Nathan Brown, John Harney, Maria Harney

• Conference reflections

• Thank sponsors

• Future initiatives

• Silent auction winners and awards

• Social