Apollonios Livadiotis
University of Gothenburg
There is a tension between two intuitions regarding epistemic normativity. On the one hand, individuals may be deemed blameworthy for forming beliefs based on non-epistemic goals. For example, we might blame someone, as all things considered culpable, for choosing to believe in God merely based on her psychological comfort. On the other hand, there is an intuition that different norms may override epistemic considerations. In the same example, we are also tempted to say that this person is at least permissible to care more about her psychological well-being and believe badly. That would be particularly evident if the example clarified that the person in question would suffer greatly if she believed that God does not exist. Extant epistemic conventionalist accounts suggest that epistemic norms are a subset of institutional norms, serving goals such as morality or prudence. However, this leads to the unsatisfactory implication that prioritising personal goals, even weak ones, over epistemic norms is always justified. As such, epistemic conventionalism is unable to address the first intuition. I argue for a refined epistemic conventionalism, proposing an account that aligns with both intuitions. The main idea is that epistemic norms arise from our epistemic needs and evolved capabilities and are essential for coordinating the formation of true beliefs. Epistemic norms serve a fundamental need for collective coordination and have a universal application. They might be conventionally established but facilitate an essential goal in all contexts. Following epistemic norms promotes individual and collective goals, providing categorical reasons to adhere to them. This nuanced perspective accommodates the critique of someone dismissing epistemic norms in some contexts and the legitimacy of prioritising other normatively important goals in others, offering a comprehensive account of epistemic normativity.
Chair: Clement Mayambala
Time: September 13th, 16:00-16:30
Location: SR 1.003, online
SOPhiA 2026 