The project will focus on the concepts of epistemic identity and virtue and interrelate them within the juxtaposition between the human mind and artificial intelligence (AI).

The research will start by focusing on three domains: (i) the notion of epistemic identity and epistemic virtue of human agents, (ii) the aspects of epistemic identity within the interaction between humans and AI and (iii) the ascription of epistemic identity and virtue to AI systems. How does our epistemic identity (i.e. one’s epistemic sensitivity, core beliefs, and ways for assessing knowledge claims) influence epistemic virtues, and how do virtues shape our epistemic identity?

A specific emphasis will be given to religious beliefs as parts of one epistemic identity and to the influence of religion-based virtues such as humility. Furthermore, which aspects of identity change and in what way when we are situated in an online environment or interacting with AI? Third, does the talk about trustworthy, fair, or human-centred AI mean we are ascribing specific virtues to AI? The project will employ philosophical analysis and complement it with practical theology to address these issues and, in the final stage, interconnect results from all three mentioned domains. The project will also incorporate focus groups and experiential workshops for specific target groups to investigate and challenge conceptions of identity and to obtain insight into the perplexities people face in on-line, AI-infused environments.