Experimental philosophy: methods, results, controversies

Lecture by Dr Adrian Ziółkowski

Institute of Philosophy seminar
7 May, 3 p.m., room 205 (Old University Library).

ABSTRACT
Experimental philosophy: methods, results, controversies
Experimental philosophy is a relatively young movement that emerged as a field of philosophy within the analytic tradition. Using methods characteristic of the social sciences, especially experimental psychology, experimental philosophers systematically collect data on the philosophical intuitions of non-philosophers (and sometimes professional philosophers) and attempt to draw conclusions relevant to philosophical inquiry. This talk offers a brief introduction to experimental philosophy. I present the motivations behind the approach to philosophy promoted by experimental philosophers and the typical methods used in their research.

I discuss the strands of experimental philosophy that can be distinguished by the types of conclusions drawn from the data, illustrating each with an example. I also present the main objections raised by opponents of experimental philosophy and possible strategies for responding to them.