The Summer of AI

Artificial intelligence is reshaping nearly every aspect of human life, from decision-making and creativity to governance and ethics. Yet, the philosophical questions underpinning these advancements remain complex and often unresolved. How should we define responsible AI? What are the ethical and epistemic limits of machine learning? How do emerging AI systems challenge our understanding of autonomy, agency, and intelligence itself? And what can insights from affect theory and cognitive science reveal about how AI systems interact with human thought and emotion?

To tackle these questions, the Institute of Philosophy, in collaboration with the London AI and Humanity Project (LAIHP), is launching a three-part series of events designed to bring together researchers at all stages of their careers—from PhD students and postdocs to leading scholars—who are working at the intersection of artificial intelligence and philosophy. This sequence of events, spanning from May to July 2025, is structured to allow participants to engage at different levels: some will take part in the full program, immersing themselves in discussions from the opening conference through to the final summer school, while others will join for individual components that align with their research priorities.

The series begins with the Conference on Responsible AI (May 19-20), where leading scholars and industry experts will examine key philosophical questions, with a particular focus on three themes: Responsible AI, Affect and AI, and the Cognitive Science of AI. These themes will guide discussions on the ethical, conceptual, and policy challenges posed by artificial intelligence, as well as deeper explorations into how AI systems engage with human emotions and cognition. This event will set the stage for in-depth discussions that will continue throughout the AI Visiting Fellows Program, which runs from May 19 to June 27. This six-week fellowship is designed to provide researchers with the time and space to develop their work while engaging in ongoing conversations with peers, conference speakers, and members of London’s wider AI research community. Fellows will participate in regular discussions, including lunchtime talks known as Turing Tables, as well as targeted networking opportunities, such as a symposium with researchers from Google DeepMind and a Philosophy and AI Mixer, which will connect participants with scholars, policymakers, and industry leaders.

The Philosophy of AI Summer School, held from June 30 to July 4 at the University of London Institute in Paris (ULIP), provides a capstone to the series. This intensive program is designed primarily for PhD students, postdocs, and early-career researchers but also welcomes participation from MA students and professionals looking to engage with cutting-edge debates in AI philosophy. Through expert-led lectures, research presentations, and structured discussions, participants will refine their ideas in a collaborative environment. The summer school will also serve as an opportunity for those who have taken part in earlier parts of the series to consolidate their learning and expand their networks.

This series builds on the LAIHP's ongoing work in developing a deeper, interdisciplinary approach to AI philosophy. It draws from initiatives such as the Philosophical Glossary of AI Terms, which clarifies key concepts in AI ethics and epistemology; the Benchmarking Working Group, which investigates methodologies for assessing AI systems in ways that reflect philosophical concerns; and the Affective AI Speaker Series, which explores how AI interacts with human emotion and cognition. These initiatives have already established a rich foundation for research and discussion, and this new event series offers a further opportunity to bring together scholars engaging with these critical issues across multiple domains.