The Symposium - Research papers

Oct 04, 2026 PhilPapers

Philosopher Challenges Duncan Pritchard's Anti-Luck Theory

New research challenges a popular theory of knowledge that tries to explain how we can be sure of things without relying on luck or chance. The current theory, known as "safe true-belief," suggests that if you have good reasons for believing something and those reasons are reliable, then you know it's true. However, the researchers argue that this approach doesn't account for a type of "veritic luck" - where our beliefs happen to be correct by chance, rather than because we have good reasons. They propose a new theory that emphasizes not just the person's character or virtues, but also the quality and reliability of their reasons, suggesting that having both is necessary for true knowledge.

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Oct 04, 2026 PhilPapers

Philosophy of Mathematics Unveiled

Researchers are exploring a connection between two complex ideas: phenomenology and category theory. Phenomenology is a philosophical approach that studies conscious experience, while category theory is a branch of mathematics that helps unify various mathematical disciplines. The study aims to see if these two fields can be linked in a meaningful way, with experts drawing on the work of philosopher Edmund Husserl to inform their investigation. By examining how phenomenology and category theory relate, researchers hope to gain new insights into the nature of reality and our understanding of it.

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Oct 04, 2026 PhilPapers

Boredom as Social Order in Colombia

Researchers have analyzed a short story by Gabriel García Márquez to understand how boredom is used as a tool of social control. The story, "La siesta del martes," shows how the town's exhaustion and apathy are used to maintain its existing power structure, even after it has lost its economic purpose. By studying the atmosphere of boredom in the story, the researchers found that García Márquez uses elements like heat, silence, and public gaze to convey a sense of suspended time and social hierarchy. The mother's composure and refusal to be swayed by the town's apathy are seen as a form of resistance against this oppressive atmosphere, highlighting how boredom can be both a personal experience and a public condition that affects society as a whole.

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Sep 24, 2026 PhilPapers

Philosophers Reveal Secret to Digital Existence

Researchers have found that our online activities are more complex than previously thought, and that traditional theories about identity and consciousness don't fully explain how we experience ourselves in the digital world. They've proposed a new framework to understand this "Thinking Space" - the space where our thoughts, feelings, and experiences intersect with technology. By analyzing existing ideas and testing them against counterexamples, they've identified key areas where our current understanding of identity and consciousness falls short, such as how we remember ourselves online and whether digital copies can truly be us.

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Sep 07, 2026 PhilPapers

Science's Hidden Value Problem Solved?

New research suggests that values can play a significant role in science, but not in the way many people think. Scientists often worry that personal opinions or biases will influence their work and lead to false conclusions. However, experts have found a solution using decision-theory tools. They propose distinguishing between two types of value influence: one that lowers the standards for accepting a claim (which is usually a bad idea) and another that raises those standards without risking the accuracy of scientific findings. This approach seems particularly important in fields with practical applications, where values can have a significant impact on decision-making.

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Aug 30, 2026 JME

Justice or Luck? Medical Resource Debate

New research suggests that when medical resources are scarce, doctors should focus on treating those who need it most, regardless of whether their condition was caused by their own actions. Some argue that people who get sick because they made poor choices shouldn't be given priority over others who were simply unlucky. However, experts say this approach is flawed and can lead to unfair treatment. The study argues that there's no clear way to determine if someone deserves medical care based on their past choices, casting doubt on the idea that voluntary choices should influence resource allocation decisions.

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Aug 30, 2026 PhilPapers

AI's Grip on Epistemic Dependence

Researchers have found that relying on artificial intelligence (AI) for learning can either be beneficial or detrimental to students' understanding and judgment of knowledge. While AI can provide helpful explanations and feedback, excessive reliance on it can hinder critical thinking skills and lead to a lack of epistemic agency - the ability to question, verify, and take responsibility for one's own knowledge claims. The study identifies four potential pitfalls: over-reliance on AI authority, opaque synthesis, frictionless delegation, and institutionalised dependence, which can affect students' understanding, uncertainty tolerance, and epistemic justice.

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Aug 30, 2026 PhilPapers

AI's Dark Side: Servitude in the Digital

Researchers have identified a new social-epistemic problem caused by the widespread use of algorithms in our online lives. They call it "Voluntary Epistemic Servitude" (VES), where people unknowingly give up control over their own thinking and decision-making to machines, often without even realizing it. This phenomenon is similar to the concept of "tyranny of the majority," but instead of being imposed by politicians, it's created by algorithms that shape our online interactions and preferences. The researchers argue that VES undermines our ability to think critically and make informed decisions, and they propose a new framework for understanding how this happens and how we can break free from its influence.

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Aug 14, 2026 PhilPapers

Life's End Decisions Clouded by Information

New research suggests that the way we're surrounded by information can shape our sense of self and influence our decisions, especially when it comes to making life-or-death choices. The study uses euthanasia as an example, arguing that if people's "epistemic selves" - their understanding of themselves and how they make decisions - are flawed, they may end up making poor choices at the end of life. This can happen because our surroundings and societal norms can influence who we become and what we believe, leading to a lack of critical thinking and rational decision-making. The researchers propose that creating environments that support thoughtful and informed decision-making could help prevent such mistakes.

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Aug 14, 2026 PhilPapers

AI's Dark Side: Uncertainty in Medicine

A new study explores the role of uncertainty in medicine as artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent. Contrary to the idea that AI will eliminate uncertainty, researchers argue that technology may actually redistribute it to other areas, such as questions of model validity and responsibility. The study highlights five key principles for responsible integration of AI into medical practice: complementarity, proportionality, accountability, fairness, and human-centered care. These principles aim to balance the benefits of predictive analytics with the need for nuanced clinical judgment and consideration of individual patient needs.

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Nature Science The Lancet NEJM BMJ Cell JAMA PLOS ONE

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