The Trajectory Vincent C. Müller - AI Is Accelerating - But Toward What? (Worthy Successor, Episode 28)
Apr 24, 2026
Vincent C. Müller, Alexander von Humboldt Professor for Ethics of AI and philosopher of long-term AI implications. He reflects on how deep learning and LLMs surprised researchers, limits of current systems like sensorimotor integration, the importance of reflective goal management, and why governance, responsibility, and concrete aims matter as AI accelerates.
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Philosophy Of AI Was Fringe And Underfunded In 2016
- Müller describes the fringe status of philosophy of AI circa 2016 when few held academic positions in the field.
- He remembers being a 'glorified postdoc' and that ethics-of-AI scholars were a small community before recent growth.
Early FHI Began Small With James Martin Funding
- Vincent recounts early days at FHI funded by James Martin and how Nick Bostrom's Superintelligence catalyzed public attention.
- He recalls the center being tiny then and how private donors later scaled up the field substantially.
Sensory Action Loops And Goal Reflection Matter Most
- Two crucial thresholds for powerful agents are robust sensory-action loops and the ability to reflect on and revise goals.
- Müller says real-world motor-sensory control and hierarchical goal-reflection would enable replacing many human tasks.