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Cameron Pattison

Philosophy | Vanderbilt University

I currently have two projects in the works, both of which align well with VALIANT’s focuses: (1) I’m exploring the use of large language models (LLMs) for source analysis in classical Arabic, Syriac, and Greek texts, aiming to revolutionize the field of classics by leveraging AI to identify antecedents and track influences across languages and time periods. This might sound like a small and narrow subject, but it is a huge and tedious field in classical philosophy that could be revolutionized by the use of LLMs. I’m also (2) working on a summarization model designed to enhance the epistemic benefits of democratic discourse by surfacing high-impact but low-frequency contributions. This project combines philosophical frameworks of ideal and non-ideal theory with practical AI design to address real-world challenges in public discourse. Both projects exemplify VALIANT’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, as they merge AI techniques with humanities research and social sciences. By bridging these diverse fields, my work contributes to VALIANT’s goal of advancing AI research and application in ways that are both innovative and socially responsible, potentially transforming traditional academic practices while addressing contemporary societal needs.