The Erasmus School of Philosophy (ESPhil) at Erasmus University Rotterdam proudly announces the appointment of Professor Vincent Blok to its newly established Chair in Philosophy of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. This new position underlines ESPhil’s commitment to strengthening the role of philosophy in interdisciplinary collaborations and addressing the ethical, social, and political ramifications of technological innovation.
As part of ESPhil’s mission to develop thought-provoking philosophical perspectives on contemporary global challenges, the new chair is designed to advance research and education at the intersection of data science, AI, and philosophy of technology. It will foster close collaborations within Erasmus University, including the convergence strategy with partners such as TU Delft, Erasmus MC, and Leiden University.
Vincent Blok is one of the world leading philosophers of technology and has an extensive background in the philosophy of technology and responsible innovation. He holds a PhD in philosophy from Leiden University and previously served as Professor of Philosophy of Technology and Responsible Innovation at Wageningen University. He also was Scientific Director of the 4TU Centre for Ethics of Technology, a national collaboration of four Dutch technical universities.
Professor Blok’s research focuses on the meaning of disruptive technologies for the human condition and the environment, from a continental philosophical perspective, and explores fundamental philosophical questions in the context of scientific advancements like Data science (e.g. the materiality of digital twins), and AI (e.g the nature of intelligence) etc. He has published several monographs, including the books Ernst Jünger’s Philosophy of Technology, Heidegger’s Concept of Philosophical Method, and The Critique of Management. Toward a Philosophy and Ethics of Business Management. He also published over 200 academic contributions that appeared in disciplinary philosophy journals such as Synthese , Environmental Values and Philosophy & Technology, as well as in multidisciplinary journals like Science, Business & Society, and Journal of Cleaner Production.
The new chair will help ESPhil further develop its strategic goals in response to the evolving role of AI and data science in society. Professor Blok has a strong track record in both NWO and European funded research projects, that will enable the faculty to establish interdisciplinary collaborations and explore initiatives such as an ELSA lab (Ethical, Legal, and Social Aspects of AI and Data Science), connecting fundamental philosophical inquiry with applied research in business and health contexts.
Vincent Blok will be the 4TU.Ethics scientific director until 30 August 2025. We will anounce soon who will be the new scientific director.
More information about this transfer to Erasmus University can be found here.