Alfin Thomas

Technion – Israel Institute of Technology

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Alfin Thomas is a researcher exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence, education, and cognitive science, with a particular focus on the philosophical and practical implications of social-AI in learning environments. His work critically examines the role of AI tutors, probing whether machines can possess theory of mind or consciousness—questions that challenge the boundaries of human-machine interaction. In his notable paper, "A Teacher without a Soul? Social-AI, Theory of Mind, and Consciousness of a Robot Tutor" (2022), Thomas delves into the ethical and pedagogical dimensions of deploying AI as educators, arguing that while AI can simulate social behaviors, the absence of genuine consciousness raises fundamental questions about trust, empathy, and the nature of teaching itself. Though early in his career, with 1 citation to date, Thomas’s work is positioned at the forefront of debates on AI’s role in society, offering a critical lens for students and researchers grappling with the integration of intelligent systems into human-centric fields. His research invites deeper reflection on what it means to learn from—and with—machines.