
Shaping AI for human flourishing | Medlir Mema
From Defending Ideas by Sutherland Institute
March 17, 2026 · 53 min · Season 1 · Episode 138
About this episode
The episode discusses the ethical implications of AI development and the importance of human values in technology.
Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, but who should shape how it develops? On this episode of Defending Ideas, host Nic Dunn speaks with Medlir Mema , director of the AI Ethics and Governance Institute, and Sutherland's Derek Monson , about what it means to build AI that promotes human flourishing. Their conversation explores the ethical questions surrounding AI, the role of civil society and policymakers in guiding its development, and why keeping human values at the center of technological change is essential for a thriving society. Show notes: Utah & AI: Doom or Boom? Utahns embrace AI, parental responsibility and child safety Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show, we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, making you a better champion of sound ideas. Visit defendingideas.org.
People in this episode
Host: Nic Dunn
Guest: Medlir Mema
Topics covered
- artificial intelligence
- ethics
- human flourishing
- civil society
- policymaking
Keywords
- AI
- ethics
- human values
- technology
- civil society
- policymakers
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: AI Ethics and Governance Institute, Sutherland Institute
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