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The Cosmos Institute, a nonprofit founded by notable figures such as Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark and former Defense Department technologist Brendan McCord, has unveiled ambitious new initiatives designed to shape the future of AI. These initiatives include the establishment of an AI lab at the University of Oxford and the introduction of a fellowship program aimed at fostering a new generation of technologists and philosophers.
In a recent blog post, McCord, who chairs the Cosmos Institute, announced the launch of the Human-Centered AI Lab, or “HAI Lab,” at Oxford University. The lab will be led by Philipp Koralus, an Oxford philosopher and fellow of the Institute. The HAI Lab’s mission is to translate philosophical principles of human flourishing into practical AI systems and open-source software.
The goal of integrating philosophical insights into AI development is ambitious. The HAI Lab aims to create technology that upholds human dignity and minimizes disruptive impacts, such as job displacement caused by automation. While the specifics of “translating philosophical principles” remain somewhat abstract, the lab’s focus on ethical AI development is clear.
In addition to the AI lab, the Cosmos Institute is launching the Cosmos Fellowship program. Initially, four fellows will be selected to work at the HAI Lab or partner institutions for periods ranging from one term to a year. These fellows will engage with Cosmos mentors and work on projects that explore the intersection of AI expertise and philosophical insight.
The Institute’s plans also include a new venture initiative called Cosmos Ventures. This arm, led by former DeepMind product lead Jason Zhao, ex-Stripe head of corporate strategy Alex Komoroske, Darren Zhu, and Zoe Weinberg, will support innovative prototypes, essays, and creative projects. Cosmos Ventures aims to address fundamental questions about technology philosophy with investments ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 per project, focusing on deliverables within three months.
McCord emphasizes that Cosmos Ventures will operate with “low overhead,” similar to Tyler Cowen’s Emergent Ventures. The first round of projects has already been funded, marking the beginning of this new venture’s efforts to drive thought-provoking and impactful work in technology.
The Cosmos Institute’s approach is part of a broader movement toward more ethical and humanistic AI development. While organizations like OpenAI and Anthropic have also aimed to advance ethical AI, they have faced criticism for their implementation practices. The Cosmos Institute’s commitment to “accelerationism” — the belief that humanity shapes its future — reflects a strong stance on fostering AI that encourages active engagement and decentralizes power.
McCord’s vision includes using AI to enhance education, medicine, and public discourse while promoting community-driven solutions. The challenge will be ensuring that the Institute’s principles are not overshadowed by the pressures of influence and funding.
In summary, the Cosmos Institute’s latest initiatives signal a significant push towards integrating ethical considerations into AI development. By combining philosophical perspectives with cutting-edge technology, the Institute aims to contribute positively to the future of AI. As these programs unfold, they will be closely watched to see how effectively they balance innovation with ethical responsibility.