Expressive Responding, Experimental Philosophy, and Philosophical Expertise

Abstract The Experimental Philosophy (“X-Phi”) movement applies the methodology of empirical sciences – most commonly psychology to traditional philosophical questions. In its radical, “negative” form, X-Phi uses resulting data cast doubt on reliability common methods, arguing for radical reform methodology. this paper I develop two connected methodological worries about second enterprise. first concerns elicited by questionnaires and other survey methods; recent work in political science suggests that such surveys frequently do not elicit participants’ candid judgements, but rather their expressions certain attitudes identifications. This possibility stymies arguments from experimental a overhaul builds L.A. Paul Kieran Healy concerning social methodology, applying it use those methods X-Phi. It design where treatment investigated is “transformative” one; since education plausibly one treatment, any claim apparent differences between judgements philosophers ordinary folk has implications