In conversation with Artificial Intelligence: aligning language models with human values
On the map: LLM alignment / RLHF / preference optimisation → Human values and AI feedback alignment
Abstract (arXiv)
Large-scale language technologies are increasingly used in various forms of communication with humans across different contexts. One particular use case for these technologies is conversational agents, which output natural language text in response to prompts and queries. This mode of engagement raises a number of social and ethical questions. For example, what does it mean to align conversational agents with human norms or values? Which norms or values should they be aligned with? And how can this be accomplished? In this paper, we propose a number of steps that help answer these questions. We start by developing a philosophical analysis of the building blocks of linguistic communication between conversational agents and human interlocutors. We then use this analysis to identify and formulate ideal norms of conversation that can govern successful linguistic communication between humans and conversational agents. Furthermore, we explore how these norms can be used to align conversational agents with human values across a range of different discursive domains. We conclude by discussing the practical implications of our proposal for the design of conversational agents that are aligned with these norms and values.
Key facts. Cited by 61 papers in the map (data through 7 Oct 2026). Placed in Human values and AI feedback alignment, one of 10 directions in LLM alignment / RLHF / preference optimisation. Builds on 24 of its 135 references that are in the map. First posted on arXiv 1 Sep 2022.
Builds on
24 of 135 references.
References · 24
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- 2020CPM: A Large-scale Generative Chinese Pre-trained Language Modelcited by 60
- 2021The Challenge of Value Alignment: from Fairer Algorithms to AI Safetycited by 34
- 2021Envisioning Communities: A Participatory Approach Towards AI for Social Goodcited by 29
- 2021Rethinking Search: Making Domain Experts out of Dilettantescited by 18
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- 2021Toward a Theory of Justice for Artificial Intelligencecited by 7
Built on by
Citing papers per year: 2022: 2; 2023: 13; 2024: 18; 2025: 20; 2026: 8.
61 papers.
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- 2025DiverValue-Bench: A Benchmark and Fine-Tuning Framework for Aligning Large Language Models with Diverse Human Values9 Sep 2025
- 2025CARE: Decoding Time Safety Alignment via Rollback and Introspection Intervention1 Sep 2025
- 2025The Value of Gen-AI Conversations: A bottom-up Framework for AI Value Alignment26 Jun 2025
- 2025Normative Conflicts and Shallow AI Alignment5 Jun 2025
- 2025A Survey on Personalized Alignment -- The Missing Piece for Large Language Models in Real-World Applications21 Mar 2025
- 2025From 1,000,000 Users to Every User: Scaling Up Personalized Preference for User-level Alignment19 Mar 2025
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- 2024Safe LoRA: the Silver Lining of Reducing Safety Risks when Fine-tuning Large Language Modelscited by 122
- 2023Cultural Alignment in Large Language Models: An Explanatory Analysis Based on Hofstede's Cultural Dimensionscited by 111
- 2024A Robot Walks into a Bar: Can Language Models Serve as Creativity Support Tools for Comedy? An Evaluation of LLMs' Humour Alignment with Comedianscited by 29
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- 2025On Benchmarking Human-Like Intelligence in Machinescited by 24
- 2024Language Models in Dialogue: Conversational Maxims for Human-AI Interactionscited by 21
- 2024Mapping the Ethics of Generative AI: A Comprehensive Scoping Reviewcited by 19
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- 2026AI Pluralism and the Worlds It Misses15 Jun 2026
- 2026Epistemic Constitutionalism Or: how to avoid coherence bias16 Jan 2026
- 2026Accommodation and Epistemic Vigilance: A Pragmatic Account of Why LLMs Fail to Challenge Harmful Beliefs7 Jan 2026
- 2026CALM: Culturally Self-Aware Language Models7 Jan 2026
- 2025Exploring and Leveraging Class Vectors for Classifier Editing13 Oct 2025
- 2025Generative Value Conflicts Reveal LLM Priorities29 Sep 2025
- 2025Training language models to be warm and empathetic makes them less reliable and more sycophantic29 Jul 2025
- 2025Analysis of Threat-Based Manipulation in Large Language Models: A Dual Perspective on Vulnerabilities and Performance Enhancement Opportunities22 Jul 2025
- 2025Conversational Alignment with Artificial Intelligence in Context28 May 2025
- 2025Amulet: Putting Complex Multi-Turn Conversations on the Stand with LLM Juries26 May 2025
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