The importance of interdependence and responsible epistemic behavior in crises

Abstract

Recently, we found ourselves in an unexpected and specific situation facing the COVID-19 pandemic which we wanted to understand. It was a situation that no one predicted, and we all wanted to know more about it using various epistemic practices. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on our lives and has emphasized the importance of behaving in a mutually interdependent manner, as we are directly responsible for the lives and health of others in these circumstances. This paper emphasizes the importance of interdependence and epistemic responsibility of individuals within society and policymakers who bear a particularly heavy epistemic responsibility during the COVID-19 pandemic and possible future crises.

Keywords

• interdependence
• responsible epistemic behavior
• epistemic duties
• epistemic responsibility
• beliefs