Samuel Bourque

Somebody has to stand behind the work. Here, that somebody has a name.

Technologist and lawyer by training, builder by habit, accountable by conviction.

Latest writing

Recently, on the record

  1. The JudgeThe essential human position in the AI era is the judge: direct the inquiry, develop the record, and remain answerable. Judgment runs on attention, capacity, and memory.
  2. Trust Is the Wrong QuestionTrust is the wrong framework for AI agents: humans must define mandates, permissions, boundaries, backups, and accountability for every consequential run.
  3. Trace the DownlineAI systems should be judged by tracing their consequences to human footing: whether they strengthen subsistence, health, capability, and flourishing—or degrade them.
  4. Selfish RespectRespect for others cannot subsist without respect for self. Self-respect begins with knowing your values, honoring them, and maintaining the self you present.

Explore by series

A breadth of interests

© 2026 Samuel Bourque