Imagine a better future with Human Intelligence

Reclaiming the future

The future feels more uncertain than ever. And if we can’t imagine a better future, how are we going to build it?

As algorithms shape our choices and narratives, it can feel like we’re losing not just control, but our ability to determine our own futures.

To reclaim our futures, we need to harness our human intelligence.

Human intelligence gives meaning to our actions. It gives us the power of judgement and critical thinking which power our decision making skills.

What's your definition of Human Intelligence?

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Imagining the future and finding the path to get there requires enduring skills. To thrive in uncertain times, we need enduring skills: the ability to think critically, communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, and adapt with empathy. We need to learn how to learn. This is Human Intelligence.

Human Intelligence helps us imagine better futures. It allows us to grow through success and failure, through storytelling, reflection, and connection. It helps us find meaning, stay emotionally grounded, and respond to complex contexts with care.

Futures Foretold

How would you feel if your future was written for you?

See how uOttawa students reacted to reading scripted statements about their futures.

We asked 25 uOttawa students to read scripted statements about their futures. They had not seen the texts beforehand and were not coached. Many statements imagined a world where machines made the decisions, and students began to push back.

The result is a series of videos that capture emotional responses, reflection, and honest dialogue about our relationship with the forces shaping our lives.

Explore Futures Foretold

uOttawa Faculty of Arts programs

Fostering Human Intelligence

At the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Arts, human intelligence isn’t just what we teach. It’s what we foster and cultivate in our students, whether it’s in our Honours B.A. in Ethics and Political Philosophy, our Minor in Digital Cultures or our Microprogram in Anthropocene.

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Courses, Seminars, and Workshops

The uOttawa Faculty of Arts has developed a series of new online courses that are designed to foster Human Intelligence skills, helping you navigate a rapidly changing world by learning how to learn, how to adapt, and how to relate to technology.

History of Medicine and Healing

The historical roots of medicine throughout various eras and cultures. Of interest to students, young health professionals taking preparatory courses, and well as non-traditional learners passionate about continuing education.

Art, Wellbeing and Consciousness Studies

This four-part series explores the intersection of creativity, well-being, and resilience, addressing the growing need for innovative approaches to mental health and personal development in today’s challenging social and environmental landscape.

Mindful Aging in the Community

Ageism, grief illiteracy, death phobia, common diseases of aging and how they underpin common fears of aging, here and around the world.

Historical Expertise for Litigation Support

This program equips professionals working in the domain of historical expertise for litigation support with essential skills to advance their careers.

Neuroscience of Mindfulness for the Humanities

An original and groundbreaking take on the neuroscience of mindfulness through a rigorous, science-based exploration of mindfulness that emphasizes brain function and evidence-based outcomes.

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Human Intelligence for human futures