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The revenge of the philosophy majors

nytimes.com

July 7, 2026

3 min read

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46/100

Summary

A.I. labs are increasingly hiring philosophy majors for their critical thinking skills and unique perspectives. Robert Long, a philosophy enthusiast from Georgia, reflects on how his academic background has prepared him for exploring concepts like consciousness.

Key Takeaways

A.I. labs are increasingly hiring philosophy graduates to address ethical and conceptual questions related to artificial intelligence.
The demand for philosophers with expertise in A.I. is currently outpacing supply, according to David Chalmers, a prominent philosopher of consciousness.
Robert Long transitioned from academic philosophy to A.I. research, highlighting a trend of philosophers engaging with A.I. policy and ethics.
Google DeepMind recently announced a position specifically titled "Philosopher," reflecting the growing intersection of philosophy and technology.

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Community Sentiment

Mixed

Positives

Philosophy majors are honing skills that are crucial for tech jobs, like clarity of thought and precise argumentation — a combo that's increasingly valuable in AI discussions.
There's a recognition that the demand for philosophers with AI training is outstripping supply, suggesting a bright future for those who can bridge these fields.

Concerns

The reality check is stark: only about 20 philosophers work in AI labs, while thousands of software engineers dominate, raising questions about the actual demand for philosophy majors.
AI has lured philosophy majors into a confusing landscape, with many ending up in roles that may not leverage their skills effectively.