A research initiative aimed at bringing technologists and philosophers together to work on developing artificial intelligence (AI) systems with human capabilities has been launched by the University of Oxford.
The Human-Centred AI Lab's (HAI Lab) aim is to translate philosophical concepts into open-source software and AI systems.
By doing so, the hope is to build "a vibrant community for big-picture thinking about a future of AI that enhances human flourishing".
The project will be led by professor Philipp Koralus. He has been appointed as the inaugural McCord Professor of Philosophy and AI at Oxford.
Professor Koralus is known for his research into human reasoning and is set to lead the lab's mission to create a "philosophy-to-code pipeline."
This approach will bring together leading philosophers and AI practitioners to embed concepts such as reason, decentralisation, and human autonomy into AI technologies.
Professor Koralus said: "We aim to cultivate a new class of philosopher-technologists.
"These are individuals who ask how to build systems that truly contribute to human well-being. Both philosophy and engineering require learning by doing.
"In one case this means engaging in the right kind of dialogue with people, in the other case it means experimenting with building something. Both require more than passive study."
The HAI Lab is backed by the Cosmos Institute, which, despite being new to the public, has already received the support of several individuals as founding fellows, including economist Tyler Cowen and anthropic co-founder Jack Clark.
The non-profit’s mission aligns with Oxford's tradition of "fostering intellectual rigor and ethical responsibility".
Through research, fellowships, grants, and education, Cosmos aims to cultivate a new generation of technologists and entrepreneurs equipped with deep philosophical thinking to "navigate the uncharted territory of our AI age".
Brendan McCord, founder and chair of the Cosmos Institute, said: "Oxford has long been at the forefront of world-defining philosophical inquiry.
"The launch of the HAI Lab reinforces our dedication to ensuring that AI technologies contribute to human flourishing.
"Our founding support of the HAI Lab and the endowment of the first Professorship of Philosophy and AI will help guide the development of AI, ensuring that it enhances rather than detracts from human potential."
The HAI Lab will be housed within Oxford's Institute for Ethics in AI, part of the Faculty of Philosophy, and will eventually move to its permanent location in the Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, which is set to open in the autumn of 2025.
The centre will boost teaching and research in the humanities and bring together seven faculties.
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