André Ariew

André Ariew is a Professor of Philosophy and Director of Graduate Studies at the University of Missouri’s Department of Philosophy. He specializes in the philosophy of science and biology, focusing on evolutionary theory, statistical explanation, and teleology. His research interrogates foundational concepts like natural selection, fitness, and population thinking, with contributions to debates on generalized Darwinism across disciplines.

• Education: PhD in Philosophy from the University of Arizona.
• Affiliations: Co-Director of the Arts and Science Writing Fellows Program; active in the Conley House meetings.

Research Interests: Ariew explores the philosophical underpinnings of evolutionary biology, emphasizing statistical methodologies in Darwin’s work. His recent projects include analyzing Darwin’s statistical thinking and refining Tinbergen’s four questions by incorporating agency. He critiques traditional notions of fitness and advocates for developmental accounts of innateness.

Publications: Ariew’s work spans edited volumes and peer-reviewed articles, addressing topics like statistical explanation in Galton’s quincunx, the role of canalization in innateness, and the causal structure of natural selection. His 2022 paper on Darwin’s statistical methodologies and 2023 contributions to generalized Darwinism highlight his interdisciplinary approach.

• Awards: None explicitly listed in the provided texts.

Teaching & Mentoring: Oversees funded graduate programs in Philosophy, offering TAships with stipends and health benefits. Advises students on philosophical methodology and evolutionary theory.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Writing Fellows Program, fostering collaborative research environments for graduate students.