Google DeepMind has hired Henry Shevlin for the role of 'Philosopher', according to a LinkedIn post from the AI ethics and cognitive science researcher.
"I'm thrilled to share that I'm joining Google DeepMind as a Philosopher (yes, actual title) starting in May, working on machine consciousness, human-AI relationships, and AGI (Artificial Generative intelligence) readiness," Shevlin wrote.
Shevlin may seem to be a rare hire due to IT (information technology) companies' main focus being AI software programs. However, AI companies seem to be investing in philosophy, ethics and neuroscience experts in order to gauge AI's safety implications on human society and to ensure positive interactions with humans.
ALSO READ | OpenAI Backs Bill To Shield AI Firms From 'Critical Harm' Lawsuits
Anthropic had also hired Amanda Askell, an AI researcher with a doctorate in philosophy, who is responsible for designing their flagship AI 'Claude''s personality and imbue it with positive traits so that the AI exhibits ethical behaviour. Askell occupies the role of Member of Technical Staff in a professional capacity.
"It's a rare privilege to work on questions I've spent my career thinking about, now with the resources and urgency that come with being inside one of the world's leading AI labs. Very grateful to everyone who's supported me along the way, and excited for what's ahead!" Shevlin wrote in his post.
He also posted on X about his new role.
Big personal news: I've been recruited by Google DeepMind for a new Philosopher position (actual title), focusing on machine consciousness, human-AI relationships, and AGI readiness, starting in May. I'll continue my research & teaching at Cambridge part-time. Absolutely stoked!
— Henry Shevlin (@dioscuri) April 13, 2026
Before being hired for the role, Shevlin served as the Associate Director of the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence, where he is one of three course leads for the new AI Ethics & Society Master of Studies course, he is also a Senior Researcher at University of Cambridge. Shevlin said that he will carry on in these roles in tandem with his Philosopher position at Google.
"I'll be continuing at the University of Cambridge in a part-time capacity, maintaining my research and teaching at the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence," Shevlin said.
ALSO READ | AI Could Replace Income Tax With 'Compute Tax', Warns Monzo Founder Tom Blomfield
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
