Dr Christopher Burr
Former Postdoctoral Researcher
Dr Christopher Burr
Former Postdoctoral Researcher
Dr Christopher Burr is a philosopher of cognitive science and artificial intelligence. His research explores philosophical and ethical issues surrounding the impact of technologies, such as AI, on mental health and well-being.
He previously conducted research as part of the Ethics of Digital Well-Being project alongside Professor Luciano Floridi and Dr Mariarosaria Taddeo. This project seeks to understand how digital technologies have reshaped our understanding of well-being and the new opportunities and risks that they pose for human flourishing. This includes data-driven technologies, such as machine learning, which are being used to automate or bypass aspects of mental healthcare (e.g. mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment); self-tracking technologies that are driving the rapid growth in broader wellness industry; and ubiquitous sensors that are enabling new forms of measurement to support social initiatives such as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
He has held previous posts at the University of Bristol, including the Department of Computer Science, where he explored the ethical and epistemological impact of big data and artificial intelligence, and also the Department of Philosophy where he completed his PhD in 2017.
His research has been featured in the media, including BBC Radio 4 and Vox. He has also advised policy makers working with the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation and the Department of Health and Social Care.
Philosophy of Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence, Ethics of AI, Philosophy of Technology, Decision Theory, and Philosophy of Mind.