Ought

Nonprofit research lab advancing decision-making capabilities.

San Francisco, USA
Founded 2016

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Industries

ScienceTechnologyAI

Funding

Philanthropically FundedCorporate Funded

Narrative

Ought's culture is defined by a deep commitment to understanding and improving decision-making, both human and artificial. This manifests as a rigorous, collaborative, and deeply philosophical approach to research. Their methodology emphasizes close collaboration between researchers from diverse backgrounds, including machine learning, cognitive science, and philosophy, to tackle complex, real-world problems. Ought’s commitment to open research and shared learning fosters a culture of intellectual humility and continuous improvement.

Ought was conceived in response to the growing gap between the potential of AI and the reality of its application in consequential decision-making contexts. Its location allows close collaborations with academic institutions and industry partners, bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical implementation. This strategic positioning, coupled with a mission focused on advancing responsible decision-making, has allowed Ought to attract top talent and cultivate a unique "scenius" that pushes the boundaries of AI research while remaining grounded in ethical considerations.

Related Entities

  • Type of Relationship: Philosophical Concept

    • Name of Related Entity: Morality
    • Detail: Ought is a central concept in moral philosophy, relating to what one should or should not do.
  • Type of Relationship: Philosophical Concept

    • Name of Related Entity: Ethics
    • Detail: Ought is fundamental to ethical theories, forming the basis for normative judgments.
  • Type of Relationship: Philosophical Concept

    • Name of Related Entity: Deontology
    • Detail: Deontological ethics heavily relies on the concept of "ought," focusing on duties and rules regardless of consequences.
  • Type of Relationship: Philosophical Concept

    • Name of Related Entity: Consequentialism
    • Detail: While focusing on consequences, consequentialist theories still utilize "ought" implicitly or explicitly in determining what actions ought to be performed to maximize good outcomes.
  • Type of Relationship: Philosophical Concept

    • Name of Related Entity: Virtue Ethics
    • Detail: Virtue ethics connects "ought" to character traits; one "ought" to act in accordance with virtuous character.
  • Type of Relationship: Logical Concept

    • Name of Related Entity: Modal Logic
    • Detail: "Ought" statements are often analyzed using modal logic, which deals with possibility, necessity, and obligation.
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