Remarks at the February 2026 API Event at the Aurora Public Library

John Smithin

Hello, my name is John Smithin and I’m the Research Director of the Aurora Philosophy Institute. Well, we woke up this morning to learn that yet another war has started. There was a song in my youth which said: ‘when will they every learn”. The answer to that is – never. But it does at least make me think that what we have been doing in the API this year is not without some value. Today, we have a very interesting edition of the Philosophy Café on the subject of ‘Artificial Intelligence in War and Peace’.

First, however, I would like to welcome a very special guest, our local MPP in the Newmarket-Aurora Riding, Dawn Gallagher-Murphy. Dawn is a good friend of the API, and indeed of all of the hardworking non-profit institutions serving our diverse community.

She has done a great deal to promote this sector (in particular) during her tenure as our member of the provincial parliament.

Following Dawn, API President and Executive Director, Alla Marchenko will also say a few words - and then we will move on to the discussion lead by Ronen Grunberg. Welcome Dawn.

Dawn-Gallagher Murphy

Alla Marchenko

Thank you, Dawn, and thank you all for being here today.  It is a great honour for me to accept this grant on behalf of the API, and of our entire community. This year’s program is well underway, and, so far, has been a great success.

The API was founded in 2019 and has been growing ever since. The progams that have benefited from the grant, such as the Tuesday Philosophy Club, the Philosophy Café, and others, are oriented primarily to senior citizens.  They support healthy aging by addressing possible social isolation and engaging seniors in the community. The goal is to promote mental acuity, volunteerism, the mentoring of others, and digital literacy via both in-person and on-line meetings.

Aristotle taught that friendship of virtue—working together toward a common

good—is the highest form of human connection.  Our nonprofit organization creates a safe space for networking, new connections, and an atmosphere full of mutual support, respect and wisdom. We think that our comparative advantage is precisely the intellectual and philosophical component.

This year’s programs, as Dawn has mentioned, are themed around the great issues of War and Peace, which are of vital interest to seniors, veterans, and others, in our troubled times.  There are several members of the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion here today, including Claude Arcand – Treasurer of Branch 385. Among the topics we have so far addressed are:

 ‘What if Peace Breaks Out?’ - by Shishir Lakhani - who is also here today.

‘Money, Conflict, and the Rise and Fall of Empires’ by John Smithin.

And Ronen’s talk this morning.

Next month, Victoria Fe will be talking about ‘The Language of War’.

Now, I would like to call on API Vice-President, John Cummins, to introduce Ronen. Thank you again, Dawn, and the Province of Ontario, for your continuous support, recognition, and partnership.

John Cummins

Ronen Grunberg