Brian Hedden PhD '12 has been appointed co-associate dean of the Social and Ethical Responsibilities of Computing (SERC) at MIT, effective January 16, according to MIT News AI. Hedden's appointment signals a significant step towards integrating ethical considerations into the development and deployment of computing technologies, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI).
As a professor in the Department of Linguistics and Philosophy at MIT, Hedden brings a wealth of expertise in epistemology, decision theory, and ethics to the role. This appointment underscores the importance of ethical responsibility in computing and AI, areas where rapid technological advancements often outpace societal norms and regulations.
Hedden's background includes a shared position with the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) at MIT. He previously held faculty positions at the Australian National University and the University of Sydney, and he earned his BA from Princeton University and his PhD from MIT, both in philosophy. According to MIT News AI, Hedden's work directly addresses the intellectual challenges facing education and research today, especially in computing and AI.
Hedden’s research delves into how individuals should form beliefs and make decisions, exploring philosophical insights into rationality and their application to contemporary ethical issues. His scholarly contributions include the book “Reasons without Persons: Rationality, Identity, and Time” (Oxford University Press, 2015), and articles on collective action problems, legal standards of proof, algorithmic fairness, and political polarization. These areas are crucial as AI systems increasingly influence various aspects of society.
Joining co-associate dean Nikos Trichakis, the J.C. Penney Professor of Management at the MIT Sloan School of Management, Hedden will help lead SERC. Since its inception in 2020, SERC has launched several initiatives aimed at fostering responsible practices in computing. These include the SERC Scholars Program, which pairs students with postdoctoral mentors to explore ethical challenges, an annual prize competition challenging MIT students to envision the future of computing, and a series of case studies published twice yearly. Additionally, SERC collaborates on curricular materials and introduced a seed grant program in 2024 to support MIT researchers investigating ethical technology development.
The real-world impact of Hedden’s appointment is profound. By bringing a strong philosophical perspective to the forefront of computing ethics, he can help ensure that technological advancements align with societal values and ethical standards. This alignment is critical as AI continues to permeate fields ranging from healthcare to autonomous vehicles, where ethical considerations can significantly affect human lives.
Looking ahead, stakeholders should watch for further developments in SERC’s initiatives under Hedden’s leadership. Future seed grants and research projects will likely focus on emerging ethical challenges in AI, potentially shaping the direction of technological innovation at MIT and beyond. As these initiatives unfold, they may set new benchmarks for responsible computing and AI development globally.
According to MIT News AI, Hedden succeeds professor of philosophy Caspar Hare, who concluded his three-year term on September 1, 2025. With Hedden’s appointment, MIT reaffirms its commitment to advancing ethical computing through interdisciplinary collaboration and rigorous academic inquiry.
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Source: [MIT News AI](https://news.mit.edu/2026/brian-hedden-named-co-associate-dean-serc-0204)