We combine research on foundations in logic, metaphysics, and epistemology, with urgent contemporary challenges
Why do so many people believe debunked conspiracy theories? Is there more than one logic that correctly formalises logical consequence? Can we use empirical methods to answer philosophical questions or is philosophy only based on logic, intuitions and thought experiments? What are the possibilities and limits of (strong) AI, especially in light of the recent technological advances by large language models?
These are some of the questions that theoretical philosophers in Utrecht try to answer in research and that frequently recur in our teaching. Our interests combine research on foundations (in logic, metaphysics, and epistemology) with urgent contemporary challenges, such as the development of artificial intelligence or the influence of fake news or conspiracy theories. Below, a number of themes are highlighted in which a significant part of our current research is concentrated.
