A recent arXiv preprint outlines the concept of “Positive Alignment” in AI, advocating for systems that not only prevent harm but actively support human flourishing. The authors argue for a shift from traditional safety alignment, proposing that AI should serve as a wise partner, navigable by individuals as they pursue their own values. To achieve this, the paper emphasizes the need for pluralistic and decentralized governance structures to avoid paternalistic definitions of well-being, alongside a full-stack approach to AI design that incorporates longitudinal memory and systemic evaluations. This research aims to establish AI as a catalyst for resilience and thriving, necessitating extensive exploration into aligning AI with the complexities of human experience.

Maty Bohacek: Contributor to AI alignment research featured in the recent Positive Alignment preprint. Involved in developing approaches for dynamic, developmental AI systems aligned with pluralistic values.2
Michael Levin: Scientist at Tufts University studying decision-making across biological, artificial, and hybrid systems. Contributes biological insights to the Positive Alignment paper, bridging agency at multiple scales with AI design for human excellence.2
Verena Rieser: AI researcher co-authoring the Positive Alignment paper, focusing on alignment techniques in conversational AI. Participates in efforts to integrate context-sensitive, user-authored models adhering to safety while promoting flourishing.2
Fernando Rosas: Researcher in complex systems at the University of Oxford’s Centre for Eudaimonia. Co-authors the paper emphasizing socio-technical evaluation and longitudinal aspects for positive AI alignment.3
Ruben Laukkonen: Senior neuroscientist at the University of Oxford and director of the FLIP Oxford program. Leads the authorship of the arXiv preprint on Positive Alignment, proposing technical and philosophical shifts for AI to support well-being and autonomy.12
Sebastian Krier: AGI policy development lead at Google DeepMind. Recently co-authored and promoted the Positive Alignment paper on X, introducing a framework to evolve AI into advisors that foster human flourishing.120

Governance: Calls for pluralistic, decentralized structures and alignment-as-a-service marketplace to avoid monocultural definitions of flourishing.
Publication: arXiv preprint released outlines Positive Alignment as essential agenda for AI to act as scaffolds for resilience and value navigation.
Design Principles: Emphasizes full-stack implementation across model lifecycle with longitudinal memory and systemic evaluation beyond single rewards.