Experimental philosophy uses empirical methods from the social sciences to study how people think about philosophical questions. At the University at Buffalo, research in this area focuses on epistemology and normative questions in social and political philosophy. Researchers design surveys, experiments and behavioral studies to understand how people form beliefs, make judgments and respond to disagreement.
Great for students interested in psychology, cognitive science, economics, artificial intelligence, linguistics, philosophy or the science of human thought.
Research in this area explores questions such as:
These questions help philosophers better understand how people actually reason about philosophical problems.
Experimental philosophers combine philosophical analysis with methods from psychology and other social sciences.
Research approaches may include:
This work helps test philosophical assumptions and explore how people reason about knowledge, ethics and social cooperation.
Experimental philosophy research at UB often addresses:
Together, these areas help connect philosophical theory with empirical evidence about human reasoning.
Artificial Intelligence and Philosophy, Philosophy of Science, Moral Psychology and Social Epistemology, Social and Political Philosophy
Students can participate in philosophy of science research through independent study, interdisciplinary projects and collaborations with faculty working at the intersection of philosophy and science.