CFP: Thinking with Machines: Artificial Intelligence, Cognition, and Responsibility

The Department of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University invites submissions for Thinking with Machines, a one-day philosophy conference focused on contemporary work in the philosophy of artificial intelligence. While the conference engages issues at the intersection of philosophy, psychology, and cognitive science, it is primarily intended for philosophers working on AI and closely related topics.

The conference will be anchored by a public keynote lecture by Helen Nissenbaum (Cornell Tech), whose work on privacy and contextual integrity has been foundational in philosophy of technology and AI ethics.

We invite submissions in all areas of philosophy of AI, including (but not limited to):

• Artificial intelligence and theories of mind or cognition

• Trust, explanation, and epistemic authority in AI systems

• Privacy, surveillance, and contextual integrity

• Moral agency, responsibility, and accountability in automated systems

• Ethical, political, and social philosophy of AI

• Short-term and long-term risks and benefits of AI

Junior faculty and graduate students are encouraged to submit.

• Individual submissions:

  • 300–500 word abstract

  • Suitable for a 25-minute presentation plus Q&A

  • Abstracts must be prepared for blind review (no identifying information)

• Panel or roundtable proposals:

  • 800–1,000 words describing the theme, format, and participants

  • Panel proposals should include a separate document listing participant names and short bios (50–100 words each)

Submissions should be sent to [email protected].

• Submission deadline:March 8, 2026

• Notification of acceptance: late March 2026

• Conference date:April 25, 2026

The keynote lecture will be open to the public. All other sessions will be academic conference sessions held in person. The venue is wheelchair accessible; presenters are encouraged to note any accessibility needs.

Organizers:
Department of Philosophy, Virginia Commonwealth University
VCU College of Humanities & Sciences
AIΨΦ Lab
Ethics, Epistemology & Emotion Lab

Questions may be directed to:
Frank Faries — [email protected]