William Rapaport

William Rapaport is an Eminent Professor Emeritus in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University at Buffalo, with affiliated roles as Emeritus Associate Professor in Linguistics and Philosophy. His research focuses on artificial intelligence, cognitive science, computational linguistics, and philosophical issues in computer science. He holds a PhD in Philosophy with a Mathematics minor from Indiana University (1976).

His work bridges computer science, philosophy, and linguistics, exploring topics like the Turing Test, computational semantics, and the philosophical foundations of AI. Notable contributions include theories on contextual vocabulary acquisition and critiques of computationalism. Rapaport has received prestigious awards, including the American Philosophical Association Barwise Prize (2015) and the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching.

His recent publications (2025–2017) address AGI feasibility, syntax-semantics interfaces, and the nature of computation. He maintains active engagement with interdisciplinary debates, particularly on AI ethics and the limits of computational cognition. Rapaport's legacy includes foundational contributions to the SNePS knowledge representation system and pedagogical innovations in computer science education.