LABSeminar 2025
The LABSeminar 2025 was designed as a forum for critical reflection on the current state and future prospects of Humanities in Chile and around the world, beginning with an assessment of their declining social relevance in comparison to technical and scientific disciplines, but moving toward a proposal for renewal based on self-criticism, interdisciplinary dialogue, and innovation.
Over the course of five sessions, the presentations addressed the internal challenges facing Humanities—ranging from a disconnect with society to the need to rethink the canon and tradition—and explored fruitful points of convergence with other fields: business, psychology, and technology, particularly artificial intelligence. Overall, the seminar argued that the future of the humanities does not lie in a corporate defense of their value, but in their ability to build bridges, reclaim their educational power for critical and civic thinking, and assume a countercyclical role in a world that requires, more than ever, their profound and complex perspective on the human condition.
First session: May 28
María Gabriela Huidobro
BRINGING THE PAST INTO THE PRESENT: The challenge of giving history a voice and a face
María Gabriela Huidobro’s presentation reflected on the present and future of Humanities in Chile, addressing their loss of social and educational relevance in the face of disciplines considered more “useful” or technological. The dean highlighted low enrollment and funding in humanities programs, and addressed both the disconnect between academia and society and the tendency to communicate only among specialists. She called for self-criticism within the academic world and emphasized the importance of connecting Humanities with current interests and issues, especially through rigorous outreach and the use of new technologies. As an example, she presented her project to reconstruct the faces of historical Chilean women using artificial intelligence, seeking to bring them to life and bridge the past with the present. She concluded that the challenge lies in reclaiming the educational and civic value of Humanities, communicating their meaning and relevance beyond immediate utility, and leveraging digital tools to make them accessible to new generations.
Second session: June 26
Alejandro Vigo
HUMANITIES AND KNOWLEDGE: The epistemological debate reconsidered
Alejandro Vigo’s lecture took a critical look at the present and future of Humanities, emphasizing the need for self-criticism in light of their declining relevance in a context dominated by technical and utilitarian disciplines. Vigo challenged the defensive and corporatist rhetoric that sidesteps internal problems, such as low student enrollment and the lack of epistemological reflection on the identity of the humanities. He highlighted the importance of reviving the canon and tradition as pillars of humanistic knowledge, rejecting the idealization of science and the demands for uncritical innovation. Furthermore, he criticized the culture of metrics and “impact” as measures alien to the reflective and cumulative nature of Humanities. He proposed, instead, a return to rigorous teaching that offers access to the canon, without underestimating students’ capabilities, and without resorting to legitimizing discourses that distort its essence. His message underscored the urgency of assuming internal responsibilities before attributing the crisis to external factors, affirming the countercyclical role of Humanities in a technocratic world.
Third session: July 30
Magdalena Díaz
HUMANITIES AND BUSINESS: The new key to a global strategic vision
Magdalena Díaz’s lecture explored her professional career and the relevance of Humanities in today’s business world. Díaz, a historian with a background in Latin American studies and economics, emphasized the importance of a transdisciplinary approach, integrating history, anthropology, psychology, and ethology into her academic work. She recounted her time in academia, her experience as general manager of the Chilean-Indian Cámara de Comercio, and her current role at the Asociación de Empresas Familiares, where she promotes the professionalization and accountability of business heirs. She noted that family businesses account for 78% of the sector in Chile and face unique challenges in succession and emotional management. Díaz emphasized the need for critical thinking, reflection, and values on corporate boards, arguing that Humanities provide essential tools for addressing the complexity and changes of the 21st century. She concluded by urging the integration of humanistic perspectives into business management and strategy to create more responsible and purpose-driven organizations.
Fourth session: August 27
Klaus Droste
HUMANITIES AND PSYCHOLOGY: Opportunities for a fruitful dialogue
Klaus Droste’s lecture explored the possibility of a fruitful dialogue between psychology and Humanities. He noted that, although both disciplines study human beings, there is little actual collaboration between them. Psychology, fragmented into multiple schools (psychoanalysis, behaviorism, humanism, cognitive-behavioral, etc.), lacks a solid conceptual and anthropological foundation. Thus, dean Droste proposes that Humanities—especially philosophy, literature, poetry, art, music, and history—can profoundly enrich the psychologist’s training. These disciplines cultivate sensitivity, a sense of wonder at the human condition, and an understanding of the freedom and complexity of the person—aspects that psychology cannot address on its own. A serious engagement with Humanities would help build a more comprehensive anthropology and foster fruitful dialogue among the various schools of psychology.
Fifth session: September 24
Cristóbal Joannon
CRITICAL AND CREATIVE THINKING in the age of Artificial Intelligence
Cristóbal Joannon discussed the present and future of Humanities in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI). He noted that, while AI poses risks such as job loss and social isolation, it also offers opportunities provided that critical and creative thinking are developed. He also emphasized that the ability to formulate effective prompts and evaluate AI responses will be key to future employability. Drawing on his experience in philosophy, argumentation, and his work at IBM, Professor Joannon emphasizes the need to educate citizens capable of thinking autonomously, tolerantly, and democratically. He warns of the existential risks of uncontrolled AI, citing experts such as Geoffrey Hinton, but maintains a cautious optimism, provided that education prioritizes the development of humanistic skills and society establishes ethical regulatory frameworks.