Manipulation and autonomy are commonly seen as incompatible. A widely accepted way to explain why manipulation is wrong is to argue that it violates, undermines, or opposes a victim’s personal autonomy. For manipulation influences decision-making through methods that—unlike rational persuasion—do not preserve autonomy. Therefore, it is logical to view it as interfering with autonomous decision-making.
This seminar focuses on the interplay between manipulation and autonomy. Especially, we will challenge the common narrative that (the morality of) manipulation is closely linked to a negative impact on autonomy. There can be situations where it is not clear that manipulation undermines autonomy. In some cases, manipulation might even enhance the target’s overall autonomy. For instance, a teacher might manipulate a student into taking a class that ultimately broadens her career options and improves her skills in critical self-reflection, thereby enhancing her autonomy. Additionally, manipulation can sometimes support the target’s autonomous choices. Consider a scenario where someone has autonomously decided to leave an abusive partner but is tempted to return. If her friend uses a manipulative tactic to prevent her from reverting to her decision to stay with the abuser, his action might be seen as supporting her autonomy rather than undermining it.
In this seminar, we will address these and related issues with the aim of gaining a deeper understanding of the relation of manipulation and autonomy. We will have a special focus on manipulation in the context of digital technologies and AI.
- Kursleiter/in: Inken Titz