In this episode of Researching Happy, Dr. Matthew Iasiello speaks with Dr. Anco Peeters, philosopher and cognitive scientist at Radboud University. Anco’s work sits at the intersection of embodied cognition, virtue ethics, human-centered design, and AI — with a focus on care robots, education, and the societal impacts of intelligent systems.
Starting from a prescient thought experiment about “Google Morals,” Anco explains how we’ve rapidly moved from hypothetical worries about outsourcing ethics to everyday reality with large language models. The conversation explores:
The risks of de-skilling critical thinking, moral reasoning, and reflection by over-relying on AI
Why friction, pushback, and discomfort are often essential for personal growth and flourishing
Virtue ethics as a practical framework for evaluating AI in healthcare, education, and mental health
Lessons from care robots and sex robots for today’s AI companions
Practical ways to design “frictional AI” that supports — rather than replaces — human connection and development
The balance between efficiency and human well-being in professional and personal contexts
Whether you’re optimistic or concerned about AI’s role in our lives, this episode offers nuanced, thought-provoking insights grounded in philosophy and cognitive science. Anco makes a compelling case for human-centered AI development that prioritizes long-term flourishing over short-term convenience.
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