Dr Thomas Mitchell

Thomas Mitchell is a research fellow in the ethics of persuasive digital technology, working on Professor Douglas’ project, ‘Protecting Minds: The Right to Mental Integrity and the Ethics of Arational Influence’. His main research interests lie in the overlap between ethics and epistemology, including promises and commitments, assertion and testimony, and trust and deception. His current focus is on how modern technology can be used to convince us to believe or do various things, especially in ways that bypass our reasoning abilities. This topic encompasses echo chambers, clickbait, addiction to social media, targeted advertising, and many other issues.

Having completed his BPhil at Oxford University, Thomas studied for his PhD in philosophy at St Andrews University, where his thesis was on the nature and rationality of trust and trustworthiness. In his spare time, he enjoys running, cycling and reading.