Jonathan Birch
LSE philosopher of sentience, from animals to AI
A professor of philosophy at the London School of Economics who studies sentience and animal welfare. His book "The Edge of Sentience" (2024) sets out how to make precautionary decisions about beings — including AI — whose capacity to feel is uncertain.
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Jeff Sebo
The personal site of Jeff Sebo, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies at New York University, where he directs the Center for Environmental and Animal Protection and the Center for Mind, Ethics, and Policy and co-directs the Wild Animal Welfare Program. His work examines how to build a just future for all sentient beings, with research on the nature and intrinsic value of nonhuman minds — including invertebrates and AI systems. The site links to his research, teaching, media appearances and the centers he leads.
Why this: Covers sentience and philosophy too
Machine God Metaphors Eat Your Brain
Henry Farrell argues that the "machine gods" metaphor dominating AI debate — treating AI as either a benevolent or malevolent deity — throws away exactly the information needed to navigate the moment. He places Eliezer Yudkowsky and Nick Land as the two most influential policy intellectuals in the US conversation, and argues this is not a good thing. The essay proposes an alternative framing of AI as a social and cultural technology rather than a godlike entity.
Why this: Also about philosophy
William MacAskill
Philosopher and senior research fellow at Forethought, working on AGI preparedness and longtermism. Co-founded Giving What We Can, 80,000 Hours, the Centre for Effective Altruism and the Global Priorities Institute; author of Doing Good Better and What We Owe the Future.
Why this: Also about philosophy
The Philosopher-Builder (Cosmos Institute)
An essay from the Cosmos Institute arguing that the AI age demands a new kind of technologist who combines building with philosophical reflection.
Why this: Also about philosophy