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About the Institute

An interdisciplinary society examining the philosophical, ethical, social, and political implications of artificial intelligence — bringing students, researchers, and administrators into serious conversation.

Our purpose

Artificial intelligence is reshaping medicine, education, governance, warfare, creative industries, and everyday life. Our institute exists to ensure that these transformations are guided by careful ethical reflection rather than technological enthusiasm or doomsaying alone. We seek an inquirer's approach — one that critically considers the issues, follows up on the doubts and questions raised, and finds testable solutions.

We focus on developing frameworks for responsible AI literacy, public accountability, and democratic oversight of emerging technologies.

Our approach

We reject both uncritical technological optimism and reactionary resistance. Instead, we promote a normatively grounded, philosophically rigorous, and publicly engaged approach to AI governance. Our discussions emphasize transparency, epistemic responsibility, and the role of human judgment in high-stakes decision-making environments.

Transparency Epistemic responsibility Human judgment Democratic oversight AI literacy
Our history

From a single philosophy course to a research institute.

Original logo of the Ethics of AI Society of Waterloo
The original logo of the EAISW
January 2022

Founded at Waterloo

Established by Dr. Matthew S.W. Silk within PHIL 228 — the first ethics of AI course offered by the University of Waterloo's philosophy department.

October 2023

First public meeting

After a period of dormancy, the society held its first meeting as a public body and has met ever since — growing past a hundred members across three universities.

March 2024 & November 2024

First & second symposiums

The inaugural symposium was followed by a two-day event featuring a keynote from Dr. Maura Grossman.

March 2026

Third symposium

Held at Wilfrid Laurier University with a keynote panel featuring both scholars and lawmakers.

June 2026

Becoming an Institute

The group rebranded as the Ethics of AI Institute and appointed its inaugural Board of Directors.

Get involved

Join a growing community of inquiry.

The Institute welcomes students, faculty, policymakers, and members of the broader community. Email us to be added to our Microsoft Teams group and take part in upcoming meetings.

Email Us See upcoming meetings