Artificial Intelligence, Faith, and Epistemic Coherence
Organiser: Dr. Houman Mehrabian, University Canada West
Keynote: Dr. Alfred Hermida, University of British Columbia
Artificial intelligence has become an unavoidable part of everyday life, and it is (directly and indirectly) determining how we produce and consume information, make decisions, and even form beliefs. Many now turn to this technology for answers that were previously provided by religious traditions, recognized scholars, or trusted media sources. For many, AI has begun to operate as a secular oracle. In this context, it is important that we rethink our ways of knowing as they become increasingly governed by algorithmic systems. This session invites papers that investigate what becomes of truth, authority, and belief when the conditions of knowing are mediated by artificial intelligence.
Questions to consider include, but are not limited to, the following:
How does the rise of artificial intelligence challenge traditional forms of epistemic authority?
How does declining trust in traditional institutions (religion, expertise, media) contribute to trust in artificial intelligence?
What form of trust do users place in artificial intelligence, and how does it differ from trust in religious authorities, experts, or journalists?
How do algorithmic systems shape not only what users see, but how they come to believe?
Has trust in artificial intelligence begun to mirror the structure of religious faith?
To what extent can artificial intelligence function as a normative authority that direct human decisions, values, and beliefs?
How does epistemic coherence take shape when AI-generated outputs either confirm or contradict widely accepted knowledge?
To what extent do AI-generated outputs present themselves as though they were revealed or divinely given, and how do interface design and system architecture contribute to this effect?
How are the foundations of trust, testimony, and authority reconstituted in AI-mediated contexts?
To what extent do users mistake fluency and coherence for truth in AI-mediated contexts?
What forms of doubt remain constructive in a world increasingly mediated by intelligent systems?
How does dependence on artificial intelligence restructure the ties between authority, belief, and knowledge?
How do AI-driven systems of sense-making reshape, challenge, or destabilize religious and culturally grounded systems of knowledge and belief?
How effective is formal education in logic in amplifying the benefits associated with artificial intelligence and reducing the risks?
Is artificial intelligence inaugurating a new regime of belief in which authority is detached from both human and divine sources?
The institutional organizer of 5th World Congress on Logic and Religion is the Logic and Religion Association.
The local Institutional Organiser is the University of Canada West, Vancouver. The event is co-organised by the Simon Fraser University.
Organizing Committee
Jean-Yves Beziau
chair
Maira de Cinque
co-chair
Ricardo Sousa Silvestre
member
Francisco de Assis Mariano
member
Agnieszka Rostalska
member
Marcin Trepczyński
member
Daniel Molto
member
Nicolas Fillion
member
Tasneem Ahmad
member
Houman Mehrabian
member
Daniel Bagheri Sarvestani
member
Programme
The programme of the congress will be available in July 2026.
Venue
The conference will be held in different locations at the Simon Fraser University - Vancouver (580 W Hastings Street)
and at the University Canada West - Vancouver (626 West Pender Street).
In order to issue a payment (after notification and registration): click here
Regular
scholars with monthly income over 2000 USD/EUR
early bird: 300 USD/EUR
after June 1, 2026: 400 USD/EUR
Reduced
scholars with monthly income 2000 USD/EUR or lower
early bird: 150 USD/EUR
after June 1, 2026: 200 USD/EUR
Attendees
participants who do not present speeches or posters
early bird: 130 USD/EUR
after June 1, 2026: 200 USD/EUR
Note: Scholars and students are all welcome to participate. Categories are based on monthly income. Choose Reduced if your income is 2000 USD / EUR or lower. Choose Regular if your income is above this threshold. The Attendees category applies to those participating without a speech or poster.