Christophe Heintz

Christophe Heintz is an Associate Professor of Cognitive Science at Central European University (CEU), where he has served since 2009. He leads the Adaptive Cognition and Economics in Society (ACES) research group. His academic background includes a Ph.D. in Cognitive Science from the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (Paris, 2007), an M.Phil. in History and Philosophy of Science from the University of Cambridge (1999), and advanced degrees in Mathematics from the University of Paris Diderot (1996–1998).

Research Interests: He focuses on cultural evolution, cognitive science, and behavioral economics, with particular attention to:

• Epistemic vigilance and communication mechanisms
• Cognitive foundations of cooperative behavior
• Cultural attraction theory
• Cognitive studies of scientific practices

Professional Roles: He served as Head of the Department of Cognitive Science at CEU (2017–2023) and co-edited the Review of Philosophy and Psychology (2010–2017). His work integrates evolutionary perspectives with experimental methods, addressing topics like strategic vigilance, institutionally embedded cognition, and the evolution of human communication.

Key Contributions: He has published widely on topics such as the evolution of ostensive communication, cultural epidemiology, and the role of social institutions in epistemic evaluation. His 2023 monograph Expression unleashed redefines human communication's cognitive foundations.

Teaching: He teaches courses in cognitive psychology, experimental economics, and the philosophy of science, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to understanding human behavior.