Workshop: The Right Against Manipulation​​​​

June 19, 2025 | 09:00–13:00 | TU Delft, The Netherlands

The TU Delft Design for Values Institute invites researchers in philosophy and related disciplines to submit abstracts for a half-day workshop on The Right Against Manipulation, taking place on June 19, 2025 (09:00–13:00) at TU Delft.

Target audience

Researchers (including PhD candidates and postdocs) working on moral and political philosophy, applied ethics, legal theory, and related fields.

About the event

Is there a right against manipulation? If so, why—and what would its scope be? This workshop explores the normative foundations of such a right, taking Cass Sunstein’s influential work on manipulation as theft, and the occasion of his forthcoming book, as a starting point for philosophical reflection.

The programme will feature four talks that engage critically or constructively with the topic. Professor Sunstein will be in attendance and reply to the comments. However, due to travel constraints, he is expected to attend only the first half of the workshop. Presentations by:

• Bart Engelen (Tilburg University) & Thomas Nys (UvA)

• Sjors Ligthart (Tilburg University)

• Rebecca Zeilstra (Utrecht University)

• Michael Klenk (TU Delft)

Featured speakers

Background

This event is organized as part of the Delft Design for Values Institute’s Annual Theme on Design for Human Autonomy. Participants are also warmly invited to attend Professor Sunstein’s keynote lecture at the Annual Theme’s final conference on June 18, 2025 (separate registration required here).

Location

TU Delft, Faculty of EEMCS, Room 36.HB.13.140 (Boardroom) - Mekelweg 4, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands.

Organizer

Dr. Michael Klenk, TU Delft.

Scientific Lead Delft Design for Values Institute Annual Theme: Design for Human Autonomy - m.b.o.t.klenk@tudelft.nl

Practical information

Attendance is free of charge, but places are limited and registration is required. Please register here.

Coffee and tea will be provided during the workshop. Lunch is optional and at own expense at TU Delft’s Faculty Club. Please indicate whether you would like to join lunch in the registration form.

Location

TU Delft, Faculty of EEMCS

Room 36.HB.13.140 (Boardroom)

Mekelweg 4, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands.