Can a Book Unite Two Nations?

Dr. Giorgio Baruchello, Professor of Philosophy at the Faculty of Social Science, has for many years studied how humor influences our lives and the role it plays in society.

This coming Wednesday, he invites the people of Akureyri and nearby communities to a special event where an international group of scholars, artists, and comedians will come together.

Humor Travels Far

Giorgio has published numerous books, participated in academic conferences, and is an active member of the scholarly community both in Iceland and abroad. His work recently took him all the way to Sicily in August, where he attended a conference titled “Atlas of the Future.” He was joined by Rachael Lorna Johnstone, Professor at the Faculty of Law, and Magnús Smári Smárason, AI Project Manager. Together, they discussed topics such as humor and artificial intelligence, and took part in academic dialogue and exchange.

^{Giorgio, Magnús Smári and Rachael in Palazzo Adriano.                                          Rachael gives a lecture.} 

“It’s important for us at the university to take an active part in the international academic community, and conferences like these are an essential part of that,” says Giorgio. “My participation even led to an interview about my work at the university and the conference on the main television channel in my home region of Liguria, Italy, which has about 1.5 million residents.”

Looking Forward to Meeting the Community at the Library

The occasion for the event on Wednesday is the release of Giorgio’s new book series, which he says connects Iceland and Canada—one of the contributors will be traveling from Canada to take part. The event will feature talks, stand-up comedy, and an open discussion in a relaxed atmosphere.

“It will be fun and meaningful to invite the community to this open event, which this time is held in collaboration with the Municipal Library,” says Giorgio. “Hopefully, the weather will be good—as it always is in Akureyri—and people can stroll downtown, visit us, enjoy a cup of coffee, and join the conversation.”

He adds with a smile that he will also be exploring why people sometimes laugh at the wrong parts of his jokes.

The event starts at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19, at Amtsbókasafnið (the Municipal Library). More information about the event can be found here.

Everyone is welcome!