Department of Philosophy and Religion Archives

Why do companies struggle with ethical artificial intelligence?

Responsible artificial intelligence practices are easier said than done for most companies, Northeastern researchers find. The harder work is moving from abstract concepts to substantive, practical commitments that are action-guiding and measurable.

by Peter Ramjug September 23, 2021

Why the pandemic is more confusing than ever

Mask on. Mask off. Now, put your mask on again. Don’t leave your house. Hug your grandparents. Stop hugging Grandma. Trying to navigate the renewed risks of the pandemic amidst the Delta variant may make your head spin. “We are in a situation where the ground rules have changed,” says Rory Smead, associate professor of philosophy at Northeastern.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki August 23, 2021

A group of mechanical engineering students hang out in front of Snell Library.

Why do I feel like I still have to wear a mask?

The end of mask restrictions in much of the United States has put people who wore masks in a quandary. And yes, says Rory Smead, associate professor of philosophy at Northeastern, it’s awkward.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki June 2, 2021

Northeastern student Yasser Aponte works at The Food Project to help deliver fresh food to local communities in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

In the middle of Boston, he’s growing food for good

Every morning during the week, Northeastern student Yasser Aponte navigates the tight, densely-packed streets of Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood until the streets suddenly, almost without warning, give way to a lush, two-acre farm. It’s there that Aponte (literally) rolls up his sleeves, and gets to work weeding, watering, harvesting, and planting food for his community.

by Molly Callahan June 24, 2020

The G7 wants to regulate artificial intelligence. Should the US get on board?

The Group of Seven leading economies is seeking to assemble an international panel to establish shared principles and regulations on artificial intelligence. But, citing concerns that the plan would be too restrictive, the U.S.—which takes over the presidency of the G7 this year—has maintained it wants no part in it. Northeastern associate professor Kay Mathiesen says that decision could come back to hurt U.S. residents.

by Khalida Sarwari January 13, 2020

Northeastern professors Ron Sandler and John Basl provide organizations a framework for creating a well-designed and effective artificial intelligence and data ethics committee in a new report produced in collaboration with global professional services company Accenture.

Northeastern researchers team up with Accenture to offer a road map for artificial intelligence ethics oversight

In a newly published report, Northeastern professors John Basl and Ron Sandler offer a framework for governments, higher education, and industry to incorporate committees to oversee the ethics of the development of artificial intelligence technologies and responsible collection of data.

by Khalida Sarwari August 29, 2019

A platform for violent hate speech has been implicated in three mass shootings. Should regulators step in?

Three Northeastern professors argue that while the federal government shouldn’t take legal action to shut down 8chan, other online intermediaries such as online service, domain, and search engine providers can minimize the spread of violent hate speech as seen on 8chan and other internet message boards.

by Irvin Zhang August 12, 2019

What cute dogs can teach us about democracy

A group of Northeastern students has spent the semester devising voting procedures that could, at the same time, improve the U.S. political system and determine who in Northeastern’s philosophy and religion department has the cutest dog.

by Laura Castañón April 19, 2019

Associate professor of philosophy Rory Smead was installed Thursday as the inaugural Ronald L. and Linda A. Rossetti Professor for the Humanities. <i>Photo by Adam Glanzman/Northeastern University</i>

Philosophy scholar installed as inaugural Rossetti Professor

Associate professor of philosophy Rory Smead delivered on Thursday night an engaging lecture on his work at the intersection of philosophy and science and the value in inspiring students studying areas such as science, engineering, and business to discover the humanities as well. The event celebrated his installation as the inaugural Ronald L. and Linda A. Rossetti Professor for the Humanities.

by Greg St. Martin April 27, 2018

How climate talks can be more successful

New research from Northeastern University philosophy professors suggests that global climate negotiations would be more successful if countries worked together outside of global bargaining venues.

by Angela Herring May 12, 2014