Christopher Timpson

Professor Christopher Timpson is a University Lecturer and Tutorial Fellow in Philosophy at Brasenose College, University of Oxford. He holds degrees from Oxford (MA, BPhil, DPhil) and has academic ties to Leeds University. His research focuses on the philosophy of physics, particularly quantum mechanics and quantum information theory, alongside interests in the philosophy of science, mind, language, and the history of 20th-century Anglophone philosophy. He is a prominent member of the Philosophy of Physics Research Group and contributes to the Faculty of Philosophy.

Education: B.A. in Physics and Philosophy at Queen's College, Oxford (1994-98); BPhil in Philosophy (2000); DPhil (2004). Academic roles include Lecturer at Leeds University (2004-2007) before returning to Oxford as a Brasenose Fellow.

Research emphasizes foundational questions in quantum theory, including nonlocality, information flow, and the implications of quantum computing. His work challenges classical intuitions, such as through analyses of Schrödinger’s Cat and quantum teleportation. A forthcoming monograph, Quantum Information Theory and the Foundations of Quantum Mechanics, underscores his contributions to bridging physics and philosophy.

Teaching spans philosophy of physics, metaphysics, epistemology, and key figures like Frege, Russell, and Wittgenstein. His interdisciplinary approach integrates conceptual analysis with empirical science, reflecting Oxford’s leading role in physics-philosophy research.

Additional roles include Brasenose’s Cellararius (wine steward), balancing academic rigor with institutional tradition.