About
Daniel R. Kelly is a Professor and Philosophy Graduate Studies Director in the Department of Philosophy at Purdue University. His career bridges philosophical inquiry with empirical cognitive science to address societal challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.
His research spans Philosophy of Mind, Moral Theory, and Cognitive Science, with specialized focus on Evolutionary Ethics (particularly disgust's moral significance), Social Norms, Racial Cognition, and Climate Change impacts. Kelly applies behavioral and evolutionary science insights to systemic issues like polarization and injustice, exemplified by his book Yuck! The Nature and Moral Significance of Disgust and current work on integrating structural/individual social change approaches.
Key honors include:
- Fellowship at Stanford University's Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences
- Fellowship at KU Leuven's Holland College
Kelly co-founded the Moral Psychology Research Group and contributes to Purdue's sustainability initiatives via the Sustainable Communities Research Community. He is developing a new course on 'Fun and Games and the Life Worth Living' while co-authoring a public-facing book translating cognitive science for social change.
