Workshop on AI Agents and Companions

The AI & Humanity Lab at the University of Hong Kong kindly invites applications to present at a workshop on the philosophy of AI agents and companions to take place on April 23 and 24, 2026. Researchers of any disciplinary background are welcome to submit as long as their proposed presentation has a clear relation to philosophy, for instance by examining issues relevant to the conceptual foundations or ethical and political aspects of AI agents and companions.

Possible topics for presentations include (but are not limited to): 

• Conceptual and metaphysical problems related to AI agents generally
• The use of AI companions for friendship, grieving, and romantic relationships
• The governance of AI agents
• Risks specific to AI agents operating individually or collectively
• Ethical and conceptual problems related to AI agent benchmarking
• Moral and legal responsibility related to AI agents and companions

All presentations will be conducted in-person on the University of Hong Kong main campus in Hong Kong, SAR. Selected presenters will have their travel and accommodation covered. Participants should expect to give presentations of roughly 20 to 30 minutes, followed by questions and answers from the audience.   

To be considered to participate, please submit the following documents to [email protected] before December 15: 

1. A blinded abstract of 500-1000 words (exclusive of references) summarizing your proposed presentation, in MS Word or PDF format. 
2. A title page stating your name, affiliation, contact details.  

If you wish to attend without presenting, please submit a title page only. Note: we unfortunately cannot compensate travel and accommodation for non-presenting attendees.   

For any questions, please email Sean Donahue at: [email protected]