David Danks

David Danks is the Polk JSF Distinguished University Professor of Philosophy, AI, & Data Science at the University of Virginia. One part of his research examines the ethical, psychological, and policy issues around AI and robotics across multiple sectors. He also develops novel AI systems and computational cognitive models. Danks was an inaugural member of the National AI Advisory Committee (USA), and currently serves on multiple advisory boards for industry, government, and academia. He was the recipient of a James S. McDonnell Foundation Scholar Award, as well as an Andrew Carnegie Fellowship.

AI2050 Project

Beneficial AI supports our values, but current systems focus only on our present goals and needs. Previous technologies have changed our values; we should expect that AI will similarly impact us. AI systems are also increasingly learning from and adapting to us. Our and AI values will thus likely coevolve over time, each changing the other. Effective design of AI that is beneficial both today and into the future requires understanding these dynamics, both possible and actual. Danks’ research project will develop the required multidisciplinary understanding of human-AI value coevolution, including practical guidance for AI design, development, and governance.