Research

The title of my master's thesis in the philosophy of cognitive science is "Radicalizing the Radical: Towards a Radically Externalist Biology of Cognition." I defend the view that cognitive science must adopt a fundamentally non-mentalistic ontology, avoiding any intrinsic attributions regarding the nature of mind. I call this "radical externalism," as it ultimately collapses the internal–external divide by situating cognition entirely within the domain of res extensa. On this account, cognitive science should not presuppose or attempt to naturalize any particular ontology of mind; rather, it should construct a naturalistic conceptual framework from the outset, allowing metaphysical questions about mind to arise secondarily and a posteriori within that framework.

We have ecological psychology, then why not also an Eco-Evo-Devo Psychology? Building on the radically externalist framework I proposed in my MA which calls for a fundamentally non-mentalistic ontology, I contend that the most promising foundation for such an ontology lies within eco-evo-devo biology. I argue that cognitive science must carve up its phenomenon-space through conceptual strategies derived from eco-evo-devo principles, rather than relying on mentalistic constructs, inherited from folk-ontologies. This path will form the core of my research agenda at the doctoral level.

It is now clear that both universities and the institution of science are going through a major transformation, one that is closely connected to economic, political and social changes. This should not be seen only as a crisis, but also as a chance to rethink and rebuild the place of science and education in society. In the coming decades, it will be important to act carefully to make sure these changes lead to a more open, resilient, and socially connected scientific culture, rather than protecting narrow interests. Strengthening science communication, supporting new academic initiatives outside traditional universities, and building stronger ties between science and the public will be key to shaping what science can, and should, become.

I am especially interested in questions that sit at the intersection of philosophy and science. Some areas where I have early-stage research ideas include: realism versus anti-realism, the social and economic structures of science and academia and how they shape theoretical and conceptual disputes, the nature of scientific explanation, the classic demarcation problem, debates on reduction and emergence, the counterfactual turn, the nature of naturalization, the role of levels of analysis in shaping scientific questions -both theoretical and methodological-, and the "layers"of science. These topics continue to inspire new questions and directions for my future work.