Practical Philosophy

Prof. Dr. Michael Klenk

Our team investigates how influence should work in a world increasingly shaped by digital technologies. We develop philosophical foundations for understanding ethically permissible forms of influence, while working across disciplines to address the ethical challenges raised by artificial intelligence.

At the center of our work is currently the development of a new socio-structural theory of manipulation that explains how influence operates not only between individuals but also through institutions, social environments, and technological infrastructures. This means that we study foundational questions in ethics, political philosophy, and (social) epistemology: What makes influence manipulative? How does manipulation differ from other forms of social influence such as (rational) persuasion, coercion, or deception? When is influence ethically permissible, and why? And what duties do we have to support the reasoning and deliberation of others? A key concept guiding this work is deliberative care—the idea that responsible influence requires safeguarding the conditions under which people can think and decide well.

Our research is firmly rooted in philosophical analysis and enriched by historical and empirical investigations, including experimental studies of how people perceive and evaluate influence in real-world contexts. For that purpose, we also collaborate with researchers in artificial intelligence, psychology, political communication, and related fields, acting as an interdisciplinary bridge between ethical reflection and technological development. Ultimately, our aim is to contribute meaningfully to the creation of ethical frameworks, design principles, and institutional guidelines that guide responsible innovation in AI and digital technologies.

Through research, collaboration, and public engagement, our goal is to advance the Philosophy of Influence as an emerging field and to contribute to technologies and institutions that promote responsible, trustworthy, and beneficial forms of influence in society.