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Where Philosophy Meets Behavioral Science

9 Oct 2025

Ever wondered what happens when philosophy meets behavioral science? CEPBI’s Tandem Talks bring both worlds into dialogue – join the conversation!

How can we better understand human judgment, agency, and influence? At the Center for Empirical Philosophy and Behavioral Insights (CEPBI), we believe that meaningful answers can emerge at the intersection of philosophy and behavioral science. Although both disciplines address topics such as cognition, ethics, autonomy, and belief, they rarely engage in direct dialogue with each other.

CEPBI seeks to bridge this gap by creating a space for mutual exchange between philosophical thought and behavioral research. CEPBI was founded by Prof. Dr. Martin P. Fritze (Professorship in Marketing with a Focus on Consumer Behavior, LMU Munich) and Prof. Dr. Cait Lamberton (The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania), with the aim of fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and critical reflection in behavioral research.

The core format for this is the "Tandem Talk" – a recurring event series that brings together philosophers and behavioral scientists to explore a shared topic from different perspectives. The goal is to generate new insights, question assumptions, and promote more reflective and grounded approaches to behavioral research.

Next in the Tandem Talk series: “Strings attached? Why we fall for and resist manipulation”

Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Time: 01:00-02:00 PM ET

This session brings together Cass Sunstein (Harvard University) and Robert Noggle (Central Michigan University) to explore one of the most debated forms of influence today: manipulation. From nudging to deception, from persuasion to autonomy — manipulation sits at the core of many public and academic debates. This talk will address questions such as: Why are we vulnerable to certain forms of influence? What makes influence legitimate — and when does it become manipulation?

If you would like to join this exciting conversation, please register here.

More about CEPBI

For inquiries or suggestions regarding the Tandem Talk series, feel free to reach out to David Hähnchen, Founder’s Associate at CEPBI.