Artificial Intelligence and Collective Agency

There is a significant philosophical literature on the agency of organised groups of humans, like corporations and states. It is sometimes noted that group agency is a sort of artificial agency, in that (for example) corporations are entities we create and shape, and that plausibly themselves exhibit agency over and above their members’ agency. Corporations and states are also significant players in creating and deploying AI systems. This workshop will address two major themes:

(1) Analogies between AI and group agents. For example, might work on the agency and moral status of groups illuminate corresponding issues concerning AI (e.g. responsibility gaps)? Might work on corporate transparency and accountability bear on the kind of “explainability” we should want for AI?

(2) Embedding AI systems in group agents. Could AI systems be members of group agents? If so, how might their presence affect group-level features like the group’s obligations and moral responsibility?

The event will be philosophy-led, but also open to researchers in business ethics, law, computer science and other relevant disciplines. In addition, we welcome policy and business practitioners.

We would like to thank the Mind Association and Oxford's Institute for Ethics in AI for their generous financial support.

The event will conform to the BPA / SWIP Good Practice Scheme and Guidelines for Accessible Conferences. The planned venue is wheelchair accessible, and has a hearing loop. Although we would prefer attendees to be present in person, we will also have a livestream available. Please contact David Storrs-Fox with any additional questions about accessibility.