An interdisciplinary society examining the philosophical, ethical, social, and political implications of artificial intelligence — bringing students, researchers, and administrators into serious conversation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The inaugural symposium was followed by a two-day event featuring a keynote from Dr. Maura Grossman.
Held at Wilfrid Laurier University with a keynote panel featuring both scholars and lawmakers.
The group rebranded as the Ethics of AI Institute and appointed its inaugural Board of Directors.
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.