AI and Epistemic Agency

Author(s)

Mark Coeckelbergh

Abstract

In the ethics of artificial intelligence literature, there is increasing attention to knowledge-related issues such as explainability, bias, and epistemic bubbles. This paper investigates epistemic problems raised by AI and their normative implications through the lens of the concept of epistemic agency. How is epistemic agency impacted by AI? The paper argues that the use of artificial intelligence and data science, while offering more information, risks to influence the formation and revision of our beliefs in ways that diminish our epistemic agency. Using examples of someone who struggles to revise her beliefs, the paper discusses several intended and non-intended influences. It analyses these problems by engaging with the literature on epistemic agency and on the political epistemology of digital technologies, discussing the ethical and political consequences, and indicates some directions for technology and education policy.

Organisation(s)

Department of Philosophy

Journal

Social Epistemology: a journal of knowledge, culture, and policy

No. of pages

13

ISSN

0269-1728

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1080/02691728.2025.2466164

Publication date

03-2025

Peer reviewed

Yes

Austrian Fields of Science 2012

603122 Philosophy of technology

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Philosophy, General Social Sciences

Portal url

https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/41ae6ea7-60ae-46d7-85a7-4afbe3e2ef10