Anthony Beavers

Tony is generally interested in the application of conceptual tools from the philosophy of computer science, cognitive science, and artificial intelligence to unearth insights buried in ethical theories originally developed for humans and, in time, perhaps applicable to machines as well. During his fellowship, Tony will address the conceptual landscape for a “Machine Command Theory of Ethics,” partly analogous to Divine Command Theory, that may prove morally necessary in a world of increasing automation. Beavers is a recent emeritus professor of philosophy from the University of Evansville, where he also served as founding director of the university’s cognitive science program.