In a groundbreaking recognition for artificial intelligence ethics research, Milo Phillips-Brown, a distinguished postdoctoral scholar at MIT Philosophy, has been honored as the first-ever recipient of the prestigious MAC3 Society and Ethics in Computing Research Award. This innovative award supports promising PhD candidates and postdocs conducting vital interdisciplinary research on the societal and ethical dimensions of computing and AI technologies.
Phillips-Brown serves as the Distinguished Postdoctoral Scholar in Ethics and Technology within the MIT Stephen A. Schwarzman College of Computing, with support from the MIT Quest for Intelligence. His revolutionary work focuses on teaching responsible engineering practices to future AI developers and computer scientists. Through his courses, 24.131 (Ethics of Technology) and 24.133 (Experiential Ethics), Phillips-Brown is shaping the next generation of ethically-conscious technology creators.
As an active contributor to the Social and Ethical Responsibilities of Computing (SERC) initiative, Phillips-Brown helps weave crucial social, ethical, and policy considerations into the fabric of computing education and research. SERC represents a transformative cross-cutting area within MIT's computing college that aims to ensure technological advancement aligns with human values and societal wellbeing.
"Milo has been an invaluable thought partner in developing educational materials that integrate ethics into technical instruction," notes Julie Shah, associate dean of SERC and professor in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics. "His contributions to creating original assignments and demonstrations have helped instructors across MIT embed ethical considerations into diverse computing courses."
David Kaiser, Germeshausen Professor of the History of Science and SERC associate dean, adds, "We knew we had an exceptional colleague when we selected Milo as our inaugural postdoc. His innovative approaches to ethics education continue to enrich our academic community."
Beyond his teaching excellence, Phillips-Brown is collaborating with Shah and Kaiser on developing pioneering case studies addressing the social and ethical responsibilities of computing. These carefully curated educational resources, designed for undergraduate instruction, will be publicly accessible through MIT's open access channels, democratizing AI ethics education.
"This recognition comes at a critical time when technology development must be guided by ethical principles," Phillips-Brown reflects. "The MAC3 Award empowers me to collaborate with MIT professors and students in creating new models for ethical engineering pedagogy that will shape responsible AI development for years to come."
With a PhD '19 in philosophy from MIT and a bachelor's from Reed College, Phillips-Brown brings deep interdisciplinary expertise to his work. As a research fellow in digital ethics and governance at the Jain Family Institute and member of the Society for Philosophy and Disability, he has consistently championed inclusive technology practices. His contributions to directing Philosophy in an Inclusive Key (PIKSI) Boston have supported underrepresented undergraduates in pursuing philosophical studies.
Beginning January 2021, Phillips-Brown will expand his impact as an associate professor of philosophy at Oxford University, with appointments in both the Faculty of Philosophy and the Department of Computer Science, further bridging the gap between technological innovation and ethical considerations.
The MAC3 Society and Ethics in Computing Research Award was established through MAC3 Impact Philanthropies, which provides targeted support to initiatives addressing early childhood, health, education, environment, and ocean conservation—demonstrating the interconnected nature of technological ethics and broader societal wellbeing.
