I'm a postdoctoral researcher in AI Ethics and Philosophy of Cognitive Science at the Czech Academy of the Sciences at the Center for Environmental and Technology Ethics, Prague (CETE-P). Previously, I worked at LMU at the Munich Interactive Intelligence Initiative. My research focuses on philosophical and scientific problems surrounding metacognition, as well as AI technology influencing our metacognitive capacities—or potentially developing its own. 

I completed my PhD in the Philosophy of Cognitive Science at the University of Edinburgh under Prof. Tillmann Vierkant and Dr. Dave Ward. For my doctoral thesis, I examined the emergence of normative self-knowledge and the metacognitive structures that enable it, particularly under conditions of social and technological complexity. In Aug 2022, I was examined by Prof. Andy Clark and Dr. Alistair Issac, passing the viva voce summa cum laude. I finished my MA (Research) and BA (Hons) at the Center for Integrative Neurosciences, University of Tübingen. I also hold a degree in Computer Science.

Broadly, I’m interested in how cognitive mechanisms such as fluency, confidence, and metacognitive feelings shape belief and justification—especially in environments saturated by algorithmic curation and personalization. My research examines how AI systems influence epistemic agency by reshaping the informational and affective scaffolds of reasoning, and how this, in turn, alters the conditions for democratic discourse and deliberation. I also explore the ethical implications of machines developing reasoning capacities of their own. More recently, my work has turned toward questions of moral standing—whether artificial systems might one day be entitled to care practices—and how emerging technologies intersect with climate action and our wider responsibilities to planetary and social well-being.

In addition to theoretical work, I have experience designing, conducting, and analyzing quantifiable research—including experimental studies and mixed-methods investigations—on topics such as trustworthy AI and technology acceptance. I regularly collaborate on interdisciplinary projects, including those supported by Horizon Europe and NATO's Science and Technology Organization.

I'm an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and I've taught courses on cognitive science, logic, philosophy of mind, history of philosophy, epistemology, medical ethics and technology ethics. The Edinburgh University Students' Association nominated me three years consecutively for "Teacher of the Year" and shortlisted me in 2021.

Before entering academia, I taught computer programming, English, German, history, politics, and ethics in Germany, where I developed a strong interest in how education supports critical thinking. Prior to teaching, I worked in the tech industry in various roles, including as a front-end and back-end developer, and as a server support engineer. These experiences continue to inform my research today. I speak English and German, and occasionally translate and write in both. 

Outside of research, I write poetry and prose in English and German, and excerpts of my published creative writing can be found here. I also paint and create other forms of visual art as a personal pursuit.

My CV is here. My email is dorsch@flu.cas.cz

My pronouns in English:  He/Him, They/Them.  | Meine Pronomen im Deutschen:  er/ihm, xier/xiem.