Who controls the future?

An in-depth discussion answering the question: what happens when the future arrives pre-decided?

Who controls the future?

Monday, 18th May 2026

6:00-7:00pm

RSA House and online

We like to think the future is open. That our lives are shaped by choices, chance, and a bit of luck.

But increasingly, the future is being predicted, and those predictions are starting to decide things in advance. Whether we get a job, a loan, medical treatment, or even how we’re policed, many of life’s possibilities are now filtered through forecasts about who we are and what we might do next.

In this provocative conversation, Oxford philosopher Carissa Véliz argues that prediction has always been less about seeing the future than about controlling it. From ancient oracles to modern data systems, prophecies don’t just describe what will happen - they shape behaviour, narrow our options, and quietly distribute power.

Joining her is Roger McNamee, tech investor and NYT bestselling author of Zucked, who has spent years exposing how digital platforms turn prediction into influence.

Together, they explore a deeper, more uncomfortable question:

What happens when the future arrives pre-decided?

Speakers:

Carissa Veliz, associate professor at the Oxford Faculty of Philosophy and the Institute for Ethics in AI

Chair:

Roger McNamee, tech investor and author

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