Google DeepMind has hired a philosopher to prepare for a stage when AI potentially gets conscious. The philosopher, Henry Shevlin, announced on X that he will be working with the company on not just artificial general intelligence (AGI) – a stage where AI thinks like humans – but also on the future of relationships between humans and AI.
Shevlin is not the first philosopher to be hired by an AI firm to understand machine consciousness. Earlier this year, Anthropic hired Amanda Askell to help teach Claude ethics and morals.
Why is Google DeepMind hiring a philosopher?
In a post on X, Henry Shevlin wrote that he will take up the new position of a philosopher at the company. He is expected to teach ethics to DeepMind’s AI models and ensure that the AI aligns with human interests.
Shevlin stated that he will be “focusing on machine consciousness, human-AI relationships, and AGI readiness.” He will join Google DeepMind next month.
Shevlin’s appointment marks an effort by DeepMind to address complex philosophical questions surrounding AI development. His work will focus on understanding and preparing for the implications of machine consciousness as AI systems advance.
As AI models continue to advance, there have been fears that machines may put their own interests ahead of humans, something that Hollywood has often showcased, with films like The Matrix. Do note that many have started to be affected by such fears.
Recently, a 20-year-old man allegedly attacked Sam Altman’s residence in San Francisco. Police reports claimed that the suspect feared the extinction of humanity due to AI.
Having philosophers train AI on what is right and what is wrong, could ensure that machines have a similar view of the world as to humans, something that Anthropic has started doing with Amanda Askell.
Who is Google DeepMind’s new philosopher?
Shevlin is a part-time researcher and teacher at the University of Cambridge. He has stated that he will continue his role at the university along with his new position at Google DeepMind.
Henry completed his PhD from the City University of New York. He also has a BPhil and BA from the University of Oxford.
