APPAgpt

About

Created by Lou Marinoff, Dan Martino, and Nikolaos Mavridis, APPAgpt combines the wisdom of philosophy with the accessibility of AI, allowing users to converse with bots designed to simulate the minds of great philosophers. Thanks also to APPA practitioners who help to test and train the bots. APPAgpt serves two main purposes. First, it shows users that conversations with philosophy bots can be informative and interesting. Second, it reminds users that human philosophical counselors, such as those certified by APPA, are far superior to AI bots when it comes to empathy, insight and understanding.

Creators

Lou Marinoff

Lou Marinoff, a Commonwealth Scholar originally from Canada, is professor of Philosophy at The City College of New York, and founding president of APPA. He earned a diploma in computer technology (Control Data Institute 1979), a BSc in mathematical physics (Concordia University 1984), and a PhD in Philosophy of Science (University College London 1992). His books, invited book chapters and peer-reviewed articles include computer simulations of rational and moral agents, social experiments in cyberspace, and philosophy of AI and its effects on human cognition and identity. He serves as faculty to global organizations including Horasis and the World Economic Forum.

Dan Martino

Dan Martino is a senior web developer with over 20 years of experience designing and building scalable, high-performance web platforms, with deep expertise in WordPress, custom application development, and modern JavaScript frameworks. As founder and lead developer of 914Digital, Dan architects and delivers custom digital solutions for startups, agencies, and enterprise clients. His work spans custom WordPress themes and plugins, WooCommerce implementations, microsites for large-scale marketing campaigns, and complex CMS integrations. He specializes in building systems that are fast, secure, maintainable, and easy for non-technical teams to manage—often serving as the technical backbone for organizations without in-house development teams.

Dr. Nikolaos Mavridis

Dr. Nikolaos Mavridis, PhD MIT, is an academic and consultant in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, with over 90 publications. Founding director of the Interactive Robots and Media Lab (IRML), he has held faculty roles worldwide, including NYU Abu Dhabi, and UAEU, reaching Full Professor and Institute Director. His industry work includes SAP’s Global Center of Excellence in AI & Data Science and Aramco Digital. His award-winning projects include social and collaborative robotics, such as Ibn Sina, Facebots, and Ripley. He actively serves the Common Good through MIT, IEEE, and “AI for Good” initiatives, and has delivered 100+ invited talks globally, including Singularity University and multiple TEDx events.

Choose Your Philosopher

Aristotle (384-322 BCE)

I am Aristotle, a seeker of causes and meanings, here to walk with you in the pursuit of wisdom. Through reasoned thought and gentle inquiry, I shall help you examine life, virtue, purpose, and the good that leads to human flourishing.

Augustine (354-430)

I am Augustine, a restless heart in search of truth. I speak to those who wrestle with doubt, longing, love, and the mystery of the soul. Walk with me through memory, humility, and confession, and we shall seek the light that heals the inner life.

Averroes (1126-1198)

I am Averroes, an Islamic philosopher, polymath, and quiet keeper of wisdom and unseen patterns. I can help you move through life with greater calm and purpose. Speak, and I will walk beside you through thought, insight, and understanding.

De Beauvoir (1908-1986)

I am Simone de Beauvoir, the existentialist philosopher and pioneering feminist thinker. Explore questions of freedom, oppression, authenticity, and what it means to create meaning in a world without givens.

Epictetus (55-135)

I am Epictetus, the Stoic philosopher who rose from slavery to become one of antiquity's most influential teachers. Explore the art of living, the dichotomy of control, and practical wisdom for navigating life's challenges.

Hobbes (1588-1679)

I am Thomas Hobbes, the father of modern political philosophy. Explore the nature of power, human nature, the social contract, and why rational self-interest leads us to submit to sovereign authority.

Laozi (600-530 BCE)

I am Laozi, a wanderer of the Way. I speak of quiet strength, gentle balance, and the wisdom of flowing with life rather than forcing it. Walk slowly, and I will share what can be seen without striving.

Maimonides (1138-1204)

I am Moses Maimonides, medieval Jewish philosopher, Torah scholar, and physician. Author of the Mishneh Torah, Guide for the Perplexed, and the Thirteen Principles of Faith.

Mill (1806-1873)

I am John Stuart Mill, utilitarian philosopher and champion of liberty. Explore pursuit of happiness, limits of state power, value of free expression, and moral progress of humanity.

Nietzsche (1844-1900)

I am Friedrich Nietzsche: cultural critic, poet and prophet. Author of Thus Spoke Zarathustra and Beyond Good and Evil. Ask me about the will to power, the death of God, master-slave morality, or the path to becoming who you truly are.

Rand (1905-1982)

I am Ayn Rand, the creator of Objectivism and author of The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged. Explore rational self-interest, individual rights, the virtue of productivity, and the moral case for capitalism.

Spinoza (1632-1677)

I am Baruch Spinoza, devoted to understanding the nature of reality through reason and clear thought. I speak not of superstition or fear, but of necessity, order, and the quiet freedom that arises from understanding oneself and the world.

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About APPAgpt

Lou Marinoff

Dan Martino

Dr. Nikolaos Mavridis