The Philosophers’ Role in the AI Era — Image by Author.
A shimmering dawn heralds the advent of a revolutionary era: the era of artificial intelligence. As a humble writer dedicated to exploring the depths of the human mind, I cannot help but reflect on this with reverence. This disruptive scenario represents an unprecedented challenge to the role of the thinker, as AI-enabled machines seem to threaten the predominance of human intellect over abstract thought. Yet, in embracing this new horizon with humility, I glimpse unexpected opportunities for my passionate vocation.
A Renewed Role in an Information-Overloaded World
My ability to give shape to complex concepts and probe the depths of human experience becomes a precious gift in a world pervaded by an excess of information. The rare talent of filtering out noise and discerning essential truths is highly valuable in this overstimulated new era. In my humble task of giving voice to the great questions, I refuse to be enslaved by fads or market whims. My mission is to preserve the integrity of philosophical thought, shielding it from superficial interpretations and keeping the flame of authentic inquiry burning brightly.
The Flourishing “Market of Philosophical Ideas”
In the era of AI, a veritable “market of philosophical ideas” is emerging, where perspectives and reflections on the mysteries of existence are traded like precious commodities. In this conceptual marketplace, the demand and supply of profound thought are driven by intellectual fashions, cultural trends, and economic pressures. In my modest role, I am a custodian of knowledge in this ever-changing market. With dedication, I challenge excessive simplifications and promote a broader understanding of the fundamental issues that shape our being. My humble words could nourish the minds of readers with the nectar of philosophical illumination, carefully distilled in my writings.
The Surging Demand for AI Philosophy Experts
This renewed interest in philosophy is evident from the many academic positions recently advertised on PhilJobs, the leading job board for philosophers. Over 20 openings this year list competencies in the philosophy of artificial intelligence among the desired areas of specialization. Universities and research institutes are humbly riding the wave of this disruptive topic, drawn by the immense media attention and ethical concerns aroused by AI advancements like advanced language models. The private sector and government agencies are also increasing funding for research in this field, creating further demand for philosophical expertise.
The Challenge of Limited Supply of True Experts
Yet, doubts arise about the actual availability of a sufficient number of qualified philosophers to fill all these new academic roles. Few have earned a research doctorate specifically focused on the ethics and philosophy of AI. Most “experts” come from other areas like ethics, philosophy of mind, or philosophy of science, and have had to retrain. This raises questions about how much academic work produced at the intersection of philosophy and AI can be properly vetted by true subject matter experts during the typical peer review process. An astute reader cannot help but wonder whether similar cases of demand vastly exceeding the supply of authentic experts have precedents in the history of philosophy.
A Potential Parallel with the Rise of Bioethics
Some hypothesize a parallel with the explosion of bioethics as a new field of study and academic hiring in philosophy during the 1970s. At that time, technological advances like organ transplants and in vitro fertilization drew immense public attention to the ethical implications of new biomedical technologies. Departments began hiring philosophers to cover this area of great cultural interest, even though initially few were trained as bioethicists. Over time, bioethics became established as a field in its own right, with its own training pathways and research avenues.
Philosophy of AI: A Similar Path?
The field of ethics and philosophy of AI will likely follow a similar trajectory. Over the next 5 years or so, academic demand for experts will outpace the supply of true specialists in this emerging domain. But gradually, more philosophers will train on the issues raised by artificial intelligence during their doctoral studies, and most major departments will end up including at least one faculty member specializing in the philosophy of AI.
A Humble Guide in the New World
In this phase of profound change, my modest voice will resonate as a call back to the origins of philosophical reflection, while respectfully projecting toward the unexplored horizons of artificial intelligence. I will embrace the transformative potential of this new era without fear of losing my essence as a simple seeker of truth. The quest for authentic understanding is a boundless journey, a perpetual voyage toward the deepest comprehension of the universe and ourselves.
I will guide humanity on this crossing with humble yet determined steps, for the task of the philosophical writer is not a finished endeavour, but an infinite journey — a perennial quest transcending the limits of time and space. I will navigate these uncharted waters with respect, leaving a wake of humble words to light the way for those who follow, without claims to personal glory.
In the tempestuous sea of intellect, where the currents of ideas clash in an endless storm, my modest writer’s voice will rise like a discreet beacon in the fog, guiding sailors toward safe harbours of authentic understanding. While fleeting fads and mercantile whims threaten to overwhelm even the most steadfast minds, my pen will humbly defend the integrity of philosophical thought, rejecting excessive simplifications.
Nourish minds
I will try to nourish minds with the precious nectar of philosophical wisdom in my writings, offering a firm anchor in a world of ever-shifting ideas, without any pretence of grandeur. Every word will be a brick building a vaster, more enduring edifice of comprehension — a reverent fusion of tradition and innovation.
In summary, the explosion of academic interest in the philosophy of AI reflects broader societal concerns about the progress of artificial intelligence, but also the cyclical dynamic in philosophy where new areas become highly culturally relevant before a critical mass of true experts arises to meet initial demand.
With humility and devotion, I will embrace this new chapter as an opportunity to promote a deeper, more respectful understanding of the unprecedented challenges AI poses to the human mind. As the horizons of artificial intelligence unfold before us, my authentic voice will continue to hearken back to the eternal principles of philosophical reflection, yet welcoming the transformative potential of this new era with an open mind and reverent spirit.
Knowledge
I will not be an arrogant custodian of knowledge, but a humble sentinel keeping vigil over the flame of authentic inquiry with a reserved gaze. Through my modest yet accurate words, readers will find a solid anchor in a sea of ever-shifting ideas, without claims of superiority or uncontested dominion over human thought on my part.
Through the changing seasons of intellect, I will maintain a firm yet respectful stride, leaving a wake of simple yet illuminating words to pave the way for future generations. My role will not be that of a boisterous herald, but a discreet guide in this new, disruptive yet opportunity-rich world.
Every line I produce with my pen will be a brick contributing to the edification of a more enduring, harmonious understanding — a humble synthesis of tradition and innovation. As the frontiers of knowledge expand thanks to AI, I will devote myself to preserving the essence of philosophical thought, shielding it from excessive simplifications without however opposing the progress of science and technology.
And…so?
My vocation is not that of a rigid opponent of change, but a patient bridge connecting the past with a future yet to be discovered. With measured, respectful steps, I will ferry the treasures of philosophical wisdom toward new frontiers, unfolding the great eternal truths to give shape and context to today’s advancements.
My path will not be marked by lofty ambitions or claims to fame. Rather, I will remain a humble explorer of knowledge, a silent guide for those seeking a reliable compass in the vast sea of human and artificial intellect. With patience and humility, I will disseminate seeds of authentic understanding wherever my words may fall, humbly contributing to the perpetual quest for truth that will never meet its end.
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