McMenemy Seminar: Elizabeth Seger – Taking Machines at Their Word: Applying Epistemology of Testimony to Evaluate Artificial Sources of Information

Wed 13th Feb, 18:30 Bridgetower Room

Bridgetower Room

Abstract:

Epistemology of testimony is concerned with identifying the conditions under which a hearer (or testimony receiver) may be justified in trusting and forming beliefs based on information provided by a speaker (or testimony giver). Despite the central role technology plays in the production and communication of information, attempts to apply epistemology of testimony to evaluate the reliability of information conveyed by artificial sources are scarce. In this paper I demonstrate that the lacuna, which likely persists due to the assumed consciousness and intentionality of testimonial speakers, may be filled. Independently of my goal to apply testimony to technology, I first argue that our current philosophical conception of testimony is ill-defined. I then differentiate between the theoretical and pragmatic aims of epistemology of testimony and argue that the pragmatic aim of epistemology of testimony is to provide tools for the evaluation of speaker claims. I explicate a more precise continuum view of testimony that serves this pragmatic aim and conclude by describing how the explicated continuum view may be productively and appropriately applied to the evaluation of artificial testimonial speakers.

This talk is open to all.

Sherry, orange juice and water will be served.