Seth Villegas

Seth Villegas is a Lecturer in the Faculty of Computing and Data Sciences (CDS). Seth is a philosopher whose main specialization is in technological ethics. He teaches the ethics component of several BU Spark! practicum courses and DS 380: Data, Society and Ethics. Seth is also a faculty contributor to the Online Master’s in Data Science (OMDS). With the help of Professors Neha Gondal and Wesley Wildman, he organizes a series of presentations every semester on computational methods as part of the Computational Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (CHASS) Initiative.

Seth’s work is naturally interdisciplinary and collaborative, connecting him to several different parts of the university. He has guest lectured in many computer science and data science courses. He hopes that his work can help students to resolve potential ethical dilemmas and to navigate future challenges after graduation. Seth received a PhD in Theological Studies from Boston University. His dissertation research focused on the social implications of life-extension technologies and posthumous chatbots, AI companions designed to mimic lost family members and friends. Seth hosts a podcast, called DigEthix, that he hopes can demystify the ethical challenges of emerging technologies.