This panel brings together three leading
researchers in the emerging field of experimental philosophy: a
field which uses the experimental methods of the cognitive and
social sciences to shed light on philosophical problems. This is a
free ranging discussion of recent research and work in progress.
We discuss
how our conception of the minds of others relates to empathy of
various types, with a particular focus on empathy in the sense of
compassion. The discussion touches on dehumanization,
objectification, and how empathy relates to our tendency to see
minds as embodied, as able to feel different kinds of emotion, and
as possessing autonomy or free will. Sub Conference:
Science
Anthony Jack, PhD (Tony) is Assistant Professor of Cognitive
Science, Philosophy, and Psychology in the Brain, Mind and Consciousness
laboratory in the Department of Cognitive Science at Case Western Reserve
University, Cleveland, Ohio.
He says, "I have a PhD in Experimental Psychology and extensive training in
Philosophy and Neuroscience. I started out doing largely theoretical work
on consciousness, but then got interested by the emerging field of brain
imaging. I use fMRI to study attention, consciousness and social processing
in the brain."
Joshua Knobe
Joshua Knobe is an associate
professor at Yale University, appointed in both the Program in
Cognitive Science and the Department of Philosophy. Most of his
work is in the field of 'experimental philosophy.' @Wikipedia
Philip Robbins
Philip Robbins is an
associate professor of Philosophy at the University of MIssouri.
His research focus is on conceptual and empirical issues in the
study of social cognition, with special attention to moral
cognition. He also maintains an active interest in experimental
philosophy.
Convener: Edwin Rutsch is founding director of the Center for Building a
Culture of Empathy. See
his full Bio here.
Discussion Transcript and Outline:
(transcription pending) (Video
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