Collin Rice

Collin Rice is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Colorado State University, where he also serves as Director of Undergraduate Studies. He holds a B.A. in Physics and Philosophy from Simpson College and a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Missouri. Previously, he was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Philosophy of Science, an Assistant Professor at Lycoming College (2012–2015), and an Associate Professor at Bryn Mawr College (2016–2022). His research focuses on the philosophy of science (especially biology), epistemology, and philosophy of mind, with particular emphasis on scientific explanation, idealized models, and understanding. He also explores philosophy of physics, logic, ethics, and modern philosophy.

Education:

• B.A., Simpson College (Physics & Philosophy)
• Ph.D., University of Missouri (Philosophy)

Research Interests:

• Epistemological issues in scientific explanation and understanding
• Role of idealizations in scientific theorizing
• Interdisciplinary applications of philosophy to biology and cognitive science
• Metaphysical implications of scientific models

His articles emphasize the epistemic value of idealized models and the dynamics of scientific representation. Recent work explores multiscale modeling frameworks and the cognitive benefits of diversity in academic settings. While no explicit awards are listed, his publications demonstrate significant contributions to philosophy of science debates. Rice actively advises undergraduate programs and has held visiting roles at institutions like the University of California, Irvine and Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München.