Paul Bloom

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About

Paul Bloom is a developmental psychologist whose research probes the origins of moral reasoning, social cognition, and how we perceive the minds of others—including non-human entities. His most influential work explores the developmental trajectory of how children and adults attribute mental lives and moral standing to robots and artificial intelligence. Through a series of carefully designed studies, Bloom has shown that while young children often grant robots rich inner lives and vulnerability, this tendency shifts with age, revealing a nuanced developmental arc in our moral circle. His 2024 paper on this topic has already garnered 17 citations, and his earlier 2021 study (10 citations) laid the groundwork for understanding how we decide who—or what—deserves moral consideration. Bloom’s contributions are vital in an era of rapid AI integration, offering empirical insight into the psychological roots of moral expansion. His work bridges developmental psychology, ethics, and technology, making him a key voice in debates about the moral status of artificial beings. For students and researchers, Bloom’s research is a compelling window into how our moral minds grow and change.