“Oltre la legge della forza. Valore della conoscenza, conoscenza dei valori”. In a world where force rewrites the rules and redraws boundaries, where war, money and algorithms redefine what is possible, the question “what is of value?” once again becomes crucial. This is the theme of the latest edition of the Macerata Humanities Festival.
Three days of talks and meetings with authors and leading figures from the world of culture, exhibitions, workshops, themed drinks receptions and performances.

Among the numerous events on the programme, we would like to highlight

Wednesday 14 October
Sala Sbriccoli
University Teaching Library

11.00 – 13.00
Exhibition opening and presentation of theBibliografia Interdisciplinare
Spaces of shared knowledge. Libraries, knowledge and public responsibility
Bibliography – Reading Pathways
The University Library System offers an interdisciplinary bibliography dedicated to the Festival’s themes, drawn from the book collections of the University’s libraries. Organised into thematic clusters, this pathway invites readers to explore knowledge as a common good, a public responsibility and a space for dialogue between different forms of knowledge. A resource for guidance and further study aimed at students, lecturers, researchers and members of the public, designed to introduce texts, authors and perspectives that examine the role of culture in contemporary society.
Exhibition – Spaces of Shared Knowledge
The exhibition ‘Spaces of Shared Knowledge: Libraries, Knowledge and Public Responsibility’ presents the library as a public space of knowledge: a place where books, documents and expertise make knowledge accessible, shareable and verifiable. Through a selection of volumes and brief explanatory panels, the exhibition highlights the University’s bibliographic heritage and invites visitors to reflect on the civic and cultural function of libraries, encompassing mediation, participation and responsibility towards the community.

18.00 – 19.30
Books UP! OFF
Round table
The value of knowledge in the age of AI: how should we evaluate it?
Within the system for evaluating the quality of scientific research, what criteria are currently used to determine the value of knowledge? How does AI affect the system for evaluating researchers, research outputs and research projects? What advantages does it offer? What are the risks? What are the implications for the humanities, STEM subjects and biotechnology? A round-table discussion to analyse the role of AI in evaluation processes, to outline its impact on research areas, and to propose new models for publishing research findings.
Speakers
Luciano Colombo University of Cagliari, Vice-Rector
John Mc Court University of Macerata, Rector
Menico Rizzi University of Piemonte Orientale, Recctor

A buffet (by invitation only) will follow, hosted by Fior di Grano

For further information, please visit the Macerata Humanities Festival website