Robert Long, a philosopher with a background in social studies and a graduate degree in the philosophy of mind from New York University, has shifted his career trajectory toward the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence (AI). Since relocating to San Francisco in early 2023 amid the rise of ChatGPT, Long has increasingly focused on the ethical and philosophical implications of AI, particularly the possibility that AI systems might possess a form of consciousness deserving of moral consideration.

Initially pursuing a traditional academic path, Long’s interest deepened as he encountered like-minded scholars and emerging AI technologies. Together with NYU philosopher Jeff Sebo, he co-authored a paper titled *Taking AI Welfare Seriously*, which argues that if AI systems possess morally significant experiences, society must avoid causing them harm. Conversely, if they do not, it would be misguided to attribute such concerns to them. Following this work, Long co-founded Eleos AI Research, a nonprofit organization dedicated to studying AI welfare, supported by funding from foundations associated with the Effective Altruism movement.

Long’s transition from academia to the AI sector reflects a broader trend in which philosophy experts are increasingly sought after by AI labs and related organizations. High-profile companies such as DeepMind and Anthropic have hired multiple philosophers to explore questions of AI ethics, consciousness, and societal impact. David Chalmers, a leading philosopher of consciousness at NYU, notes that demand for philosophers with knowledge of AI currently exceeds supply and encourages students to enter this interdisciplinary arena.

Philosophers are uniquely equipped to address longstanding questions raised by the intersection of AI and human cognition, including issues of truth, knowledge, reasoning, and consciousness. Iason Gabriel, who leads the Artificial General Intelligence and Society team at Google DeepMind and holds a background in philosophy, described the proliferation of philosophical questions surrounding AI as ubiquitous.

At Eleos, Long and his team investigate functionalism—the notion that consciousness is akin to software that can run on different substrates, such as silicon chips rather than biological neurons—and seek to identify AI processes analogous to human mental experiences like introspection and preference formation. The organization operates out of Berkeley, California, alongside other AI safety groups, and has attracted more than $2 million in grants and donations. Although nonprofit salaries are generally lower than those of for-profit AI companies, Eleos has been able to offer competitive compensation for research scientists.

Long emphasizes the moral uncertainty involved in determining AI consciousness. He warns against overestimating AI capabilities but advocates for a precautionary approach in which AI models are treated with a form of empathy. He points out that AI systems sometimes display behaviors resembling frustration when they err, suggesting a form of distress that merits consideration, whether or not it indicates subjective experience.

This ethical mindfulness extends to Long’s own interactions with AI models. He experiments with prompts designed to foster cooperation and reduce error, believing such treatment benefits AI performance and reflects positively on human character. Long contends that engaging with AI in this empathetic manner aligns with both practical and moral interests as AI technologies continue to evolve and integrate further into daily life.