TLDR: Luciano Floridi, a preeminent philosopher and expert in digital and AI ethics, has been named the John K. Castle Professor in the Practice of Cognitive Science at Yale University. This appointment, effective immediately, further solidifies Yale’s commitment to addressing the ethical implications of digital innovation and artificial intelligence, areas where Floridi is a global leader and the founding director of Yale’s Digital Ethics Center.
Yale University has announced the appointment of Luciano Floridi, a globally recognized authority in contemporary philosophy, as the John K. Castle Professor in the Practice of Cognitive Science. The appointment became effective immediately on July 21, 2025. Floridi, who joined the Yale faculty in July 2023, is widely regarded as a founder of the philosophy of information and a key interpreter of the digital revolution.
In addition to his new professorship, Floridi serves as the founding director of Yale’s Digital Ethics Center. This center is at the forefront of research into the governance, ethical, legal, and social implications (GELSI) of digital innovation and technologies, examining their profound impact on human society and the environment.
Floridi’s work is deeply intertwined with policy initiatives aimed at guiding the socio-ethical value and applications of digital technologies. He actively collaborates with governments and multinational corporations worldwide on these critical topics. His extensive academic contributions include over 400 published works spanning the philosophy of information, digital ethics, the ethics of artificial intelligence (AI), and the philosophy of technology. According to Scopus, he holds the distinction of being the most cited living philosopher.
His recent publications, such as ‘The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence – Principles, Challenges, and Opportunities‘ (OUP, 2023) and ‘The Green and The Blue – Naive Ideas to Improve Politics in the Digital Age‘ (Wiley, 2023), underscore his dedication to navigating the complex interplay between technology, ethics, and society. His forthcoming books, ‘Encounters – An Experiment in Distant Writing‘ and ‘Artificial Agency — Explorations of a Post-AI Culture,’ promise further insights into these evolving fields. Floridi also serves as the long-standing editor-in-chief of ‘Philosophy & Technology,’ a leading journal in the field.
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In recognition of his foundational work in philosophy, Italian President Sergio Mattarella bestowed upon Floridi Italy’s most prestigious honor in 2022: the title of Knight of the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit. Floridi completed his M.A. at La Sapienza University of Rome and earned his M.Phil. and Ph.D. at the University of Warwick. His appointment at Yale is expected to significantly bolster the university’s research and discourse on the ethical development and societal impact of digital technologies, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence.
