Manipulation is a pervasive but poorly understood feature of our lives. It influences how we interact online\, shop\, vote\, and even fall in love. From subtle marketing tactics to political messaging\, and from nudging interfaces to AI-driven recommendation systems\, manipulation seems to be everywhere and may be growing harder to detect. Technological advances such as deepfakes\, algorithmic persuasion\, and AI personalisation have made the need to understand manipulation more urgent than ever. Yet despite its practical importance\, systematic philosophical inquiry into manipulation is still in its early stages.
\nPhilosophical progress has been made\, particularly on two foundational questions: (1) What distinguishes manipulation from other forms of influence\, such as persuasion or coercion? (2) When\, and why\, is manipulation morally problematic? Competing answers to these questions are emerging\, but no consensus has formed. Meanwhile\, philosophical work in ethics\, political theory\, and the philosophy of technology increasingly engages with manipulation\, but often without engaging with these emerging theories. This presents a dual challenge: to determine which theory best accounts for manipulation\, and to explore how such theories can inform broader normative debates.
\nThe year 2025 marks a turning point for the international debate\, with the publication of the first two English-language monographs on the topic\, by Robert Noggle and Shlomo Cohen\, respectively. Both monographs offer comprehensive but competing accounts of the nature and normative status of manipulation. Alongside these\, a new theory developed by Michael Klenk proposes yet another framework. This symposium takes the occasion to critically examine these three competing accounts and to assess their implications both within the philosophical study of manipulation and for broader debates in ethics\, political philosophy\, and the ethics of AI.
\n** Aims **
\nThe symposium seeks to:
\n(1) Critically evaluate the leading philosophical theories of manipulation
\n(2) Compare and contrast the views of Noggle\, Cohen\, and Klenk
\n(3) Explore connections between manipulation and debates in normative ethics\, political philosophy\, and the ethics of AI
\n(4) Foster a growing intellectual community engaged in the philosophical study of manipulation and influence
\n** Symposium **
\nEach day will focus on one theory. The featured author will introduce their view\, followed by at least three prepared commentaries and extended discussion. The symposium is pre-read: selected chapters will be distributed to participants in advance.
\nDay 1: Robert Noggle &mdash\; The Mistake Account
\nDay 2: Shlomo Cohen &mdash\; The Deflationary Account
\nDay 3: Michael Klenk &mdash\; The Indifference View
\n** Keynote Speakers **
\nRobert Noggle (Central Michigan University)
\nShlomo Cohen (Ben-Gurion University of the Negev)
\n** Talks and Commentaries **
\nRon Aboodi (LMU)
\nMarius Baumann (LMU)
\nGabriel DeMarco (University of Oxford)
\nMichael Klenk (LMU / TU Delft)
\nVladimir Krstic (United Arab Emirates University)
\nSilvia Milano (LMU / University of Exeter)
\nEric-John Russell (University of Potsdam)
\nKatharina Sodoma (LMU)
\nGyburg Uhlmann (Nuremberg University of Technology)
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** Call for Abstracts **
\n\n\n\nWe welcome submissions for 60-minute commentary presentations (30&ndash\;40 minutes presentation + 20&ndash\;30 minutes discussion) that engage with one or more of the featured accounts. Selected readings for fully preparing the commentaries will be shared with selected speakers before July 11\, 2025.
\n\n\n\nPossible contributions may include but are not limited to: A critical assessment of a specific theory of manipulation\; A comparative analysis of the competing accounts\; An exploration of their relevance to normative ethics\, political philosophy\, or technology ethics\; The presentation of own work that originally draws on or challenges the featured theories. We especially encourage cross-disciplinary perspectives and welcome submissions from philosophers of all career stages. Submissions from groups underrepresented in the current lineup of the symposium are particularly welcome.
\n\n\n\n*Submission details:
\n\n\n\nAbstracts should be no more than 3 pages (excluding references) and prepared for blind review. Include a separate cover sheet with your name\, affiliation\, and contact information. The abstract should outline ideas for the commentary and any preference you might have in terms of the theory you&rsquo\;d like to comment on.
\n\n\n\nSend submissions to Michael Klenk at m.b.o.t.klenk@tudelft.nl with the subject line: &ldquo\;Manipulation Symposium Submission&rdquo\;
\n\n\n\nSubmission deadline: June 25\, 2025
\n\nNotification of acceptance: June 30\, 2025
\n\n ORGANIZER;CN=Michael Klenk: METHOD:PUBLISH END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR