征稿期刊

Ethics and Information Technology

期刊级别

SSCI (JCR 2023)

IF 3.4

Q1 (ETHICS 7/77)

Q1 (INFORMATION SCIENCE & LIBRARY SCIENCE 30/161)

征稿主题

Building Epistemic Institutions in a Digital World

细分领域

The characterization of epistemic institutions in both descriptive and normative terms.

The epistemic concepts in play in the characterization of epistemic institutions, e.g. data, information, knowledge, understanding. The concepts of knowledge and understanding, on the one hand, and their relationship to concepts of communication and transmission, on the other hand.

The distinction between epistemic and non-epistemic institutions, given that epistemic activity is conducted in all institutions and that epistemic action is implicated in non-epistemic (behavioral, so to speak) action. Do, for instance, epistemic institutions necessarily serve, ultimately, non-epistemic ends. What of social media institutions? Are they essentially epistemic institutions and, if not, should they be hybrid (epistemic and non-epistemic) in which case what should be the manner of the integration of these functions?

The nature and role of information and communication technology in epistemic institutions (as distinct from non-epistemic institutions), including its current and emerging impact (in both descriptive and normative terms) on the human beings who occupy the institutional roles in epistemic institutions. A central case to reflect on is obviously the role of generative AI and Large Language Models in traditional epistemic institutions such as schools, universities, journalism, and libraries.

The misuse of new and emerging technology by particular institutions, (e.g., social media institutions), and under current institutional arrangements, to spread disinformation, ideology, conspiracy theories and so on. The impact on democratic institutions in general has been widely discussed but what is its impact on epistemic institutions, such as the media and national security intelligence institutions, in particular? Is there a need to redesign social media institutions and, if so, in the light of what normative considerations?

In light of the above developments is there a need to redesign some contemporary epistemic institutions? If so, which ones and, if so, then doubtless the devil is in the detail. However, there might be some general consideration in play. Should, for instance, institutional purpose be front and centre or is it simply a matter of adopting ad hoc measures to curtail, or try to curtail, untoward developments such as the widespread non-compliance with fundamental social norms of truth-telling and trust?

重要时间

Submission Deadline: 1 October 2025