AI Labs Recruit Philosophers as Humanlike Models Raise Consciousness Questions
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 5
AI Labs Recruit Philosophers as Humanlike Models Raise Consciousness Questions
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 5
Summary
Google DeepMind’s April hire for a role titled “Philosopher” reflects a broader push by AI labs and aligned nonprofits to add philosophy talent to advanced AI teams.
Humanlike behavior from large language models has sharpened questions about consciousness, ethics and possible AI welfare, creating demand for people trained to tackle those issues rigorously.
Robert Long, an NYU philosophy Ph.D., moved into the AI sector, co-wrote “Taking A.I. Welfare Seriously” and later co-founded Eleos AI Research with foundation backing.
David Chalmers of NYU said demand for philosophers with AI training is already outstripping supply, even as traditional philosophy degrees remain hard to monetize outside this niche.