Stephen Petersen

Biography

Dr. Stephen Petersen joined the philosophy department in 2006, after receiving his PhD from the University of Michigan. His specialties are in the intersection of philosophy of AI, philosophy of mind, formal epistemology, and philosophy of science. Dr. Petersen has taught Introduction to Philosophy, Ethics, Logic, Epistemology, the Philosophy of Mind, the Philosophy of Language, the Philosophy of Science, and Metaphysics.

Current Research

Dr. Stephen Petersen’s research centers on a strongly naturalistic approach to good thinking. How can physical creatures—biological or artificial—think better? Recent work has centered on two main issues: first, the philosophy and ethics of artificial intelligence, especially the problem of the risk posed by artificial superintelligence and value alignment. This involves some familiarity with the technical issues in machine learning, as well as with a range of philosophical problems like normative ethics, metaethics, moral psychology, and mental content. Second, a theory of patterns based in algorithmic information theory, with an aim toward formalizing inference to the best explanation.

Current Involvement

Dr. Stephen Petersen is also an actor; in Buffalo he has performed with Shakespeare in Delaware Park, Kavinoky Theater, and Road Less Traveled. He also has taught and performed improvisational theater both here and in Toronto. As part of his commitment to effective altruism, he contributes to international charities for relieving suffering internationally, and works to reduce existential risk from AI.

Educational Background

• Ph.D., University of Michigan, Philosophy
• A.B., Harvard University, Philosophy and Mathematics