About

Artificial Intelligence may be the most transformative technology in history. As such, universities hold a distinct responsibility to steer this advancement toward human flourishing.

The Human Understanding and Artificial Intelligence Center at ASU is a philosophy-led, interdisciplinary initiative bringing together researchers from Arizona State University, UCLA and the University of Reading. We are working toward a future in which the humanities and artificial intelligence advance together: humanistic insight shaping better AI, and AI opening new paths for humanistic inquiry. We are an innovative and creative community, unafraid to experiment with new ideas and to build what has not been tried before.

Our aims:

• (1) Use philosophical, ethical and humanities knowledge to guide proper AI development and alignment so that it benefits all of humanity.
• (2) Prepare students for a workforce and life with AI.
• (3) Build AI-powered tools for humanities teaching and research, and show community members that they can build such tools themselves, no coding background required.
• (4) Create a supportive community of scholars and students who are interested in shaping the future of humanities and AI. We will support this community by hosting events and providing seed grants to community members.

Looking ahead

Beginning in fall 2027, we will add more members, fund postdoctoral researchers in the humanities and graduate students in computer science. We will also host speakers, workshops, and hands-on events for students and the wider community.

Sponsor

This center is proudly supported by the President's Strategic Initiative Fund at Arizona State University.