NYTimes Hard Fork episode looks at Anthropic and AI morals

In short: The New York Times published a Hard Fork video episode about Anthropic’s work on giving AI systems moral guidance.

The details

The New York Times released Hard Fork Full Episode #216 on October 9, 2026. The episode is titled “Anthropic’s Quest to Give A.I. Morals,” and it is available as a video on the Times’ website.

The episode listing says the discussion focuses on Anthropic’s effort to give AI systems moral guidance. In simple terms, that means trying to set rules for what an AI should and should not do, like giving it a code of conduct (similar to how a workplace has a handbook). The listing does not include more specifics, such as what methods Anthropic uses, what examples are discussed, or who appears as guests.

Even with limited details, the topic connects to a larger question many people have about AI tools, especially chatbots and “AI agents” (software that can take actions for you, like booking, searching, or sending messages). When these systems answer questions or carry out tasks, they can also make mistakes or give harmful suggestions. Moral guidance is one way companies try to reduce those risks and set clearer boundaries.

Source: NYTimes