John von Neumann (1903 – 1957) was one of the twentieth-century’s most extraordinarily creative scientists. On
the occasion of remembering the 50th anniversary of his death, these Von Neumann Memorial Lectures reflect upon von Neumann’s life and legacy by exploring key issues facing humanity in the arenas of science, technology, and global ethics.

It is important to note that von Neumann not only contributed to the development of computers, game theory, and a new understanding of the quantum world, but was also involved in both the Manhattan Project and in the development of the H-bomb. In a sense, his life epitomizes the humanity’s “dilemma of power.” The lectures will try to examine the issue of the responsibility of giftedness and creativity that accompanies the ability to greatly increase technological developments and powers.

The “Dilemma of Power” is a phrase that encapsulates the fact that science and technology rapidly create new forms of “power”, whereas cultures and civilizations do not as quickly create the parallel capacities of stewardship required to both restrain the malevolent capacity of newly-developed technology and utilize new technology in a way that is beneficial to humanity.