Brian Christian

Brian Christian, a distinguished American author and researcher, delves into the intricate relationship between human cognition and computer science. Born in Wilmington, Delaware, Christian's academic journey is as diverse as his literary pursuits. He studied computer science and philosophy at Brown University before exploring poetry and nonfiction at the University of Washington, ultimately advancing to psychology and computational neuroscience at the University of Oxford. This multidisciplinary background has profoundly shaped his exploration of the human condition through the lens of technology. Residing in both San Francisco and the UK, Christian has become a prominent figure in the discourse on artificial intelligence and human decision-making, seamlessly merging his technical expertise with a passion for understanding the essence of humanity. Christian's literary repertoire is marked by influential works that interrogate the intersection of technology and human values. His debut, "The Most Human Human," published in 2011, offers an insightful examination of language and communication through the prism of the Turing test, earning accolades as a Wall Street Journal bestseller and a New Yorker favorite book of the year. In "Algorithms to Live By," co-authored with Tom Griffiths in 2016, he translates computational principles into practical strategies for everyday decision-making, a book hailed by Audible and Amazon as a top science read. His 2020 publication, "The Alignment Problem," meticulously investigates the ethical dimensions of AI, praised by Nature for its thorough research and eloquence, and lauded by The New York Times as a definitive exploration of AI's moral quandaries. This work's impact is underscored by its recognition as a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Best Science & Technology Book of the Year. Renowned for his articulate prose and analytical depth, Christian's writing transcends traditional boundaries, weaving together elements of science, philosophy, and storytelling. His contributions extend beyond the written word; he engages with audiences through speaking engagements at prestigious institutions like Yale and the London School of Economics, and his insights have informed policymakers and industry leaders worldwide. His work has been featured in esteemed publications such as The New Yorker and The Atlantic, and translated into nineteen languages, underscoring his global influence. As a leading voice in the dialogue on AI and human nature, Christian continues to challenge and inspire, advocating for a nuanced understanding of technology's role in shaping human experience.