About & Contact

Taking inspiration from Bob Dylan’s timeless song, “the times they are a-changin,” it’s clear that the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is dramatically transforming our world. As a Philosophy Ph.D. candidate at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, I’m exploring AI’s impact on epistemic autonomy.

Epistemic autonomy, our ability to think for ourselves, is a vital aspect of human agency in an increasingly AI-driven world. Just as Dylan’s lyrics urge us to embrace change, we must ensure that AI technologies enhance our capacity for independent thought and decision-making rather than eroding it.

So, what is the value of epistemic autonomy in a world where AI’s influence continues to grow?

AI tools impact our opinions and worldviews as they aid in decision-making, journalism, and recommendation systems. While AI’s data processing capabilities can potentially help us address challenges like cancer and environmental issues, it’s essential not to become overly dependent on it, so we don’t lose our critical thinking skills and epistemic autonomy. AI-generated news offers convenience, but we must stay actively engaged in evaluating and questioning the information presented. AI-driven recommendations introduce us to new content, but it’s important to seek diverse sources to prevent echo chambers and maintain our intellectual curiosity. Balancing AI’s advantages with our independent thinking allows us to use technology wisely while retaining control over our decisions and viewpoints.

My project aims to fill a knowledge gap in the epistemological aspects of AI technology by examining real-world AI applications, such as automatic gender recognition and predictive policing, and their effects. This research will help us integrate AI into our lives while maintaining a crucial balance between quick, efficient information and epistemic autonomy.

Let’s embark on this philosophical adventure together. If you have any questions or thoughts, please feel free to reach out – I’d love to hear from you!