Jonathan Schaffer

Jonathan Schaffer is Distinguished Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, where he also serves as Director of Graduate Placement. He received his Ph.D. from Rutgers in 1999 and has held academic positions at the University of Houston, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and Australian National University before returning to Rutgers in 2011.

His primary research focuses on metaphysics, particularly the concept of fundamentality and reviving classical monism—the view that the cosmos as a whole is fundamental. His secondary research spans epistemology (contrastive knowledge), philosophy of language (contextual semantics), and philosophy of science (laws of nature). Recent work explores connections between grounding theory and cognitive science.

Schaffer's publications demonstrate consistent focus on metaphysical foundations with emerging interdisciplinary approaches. His articles from 2015-2020 show developing interests in:

• Structural equation modeling applied to metaphysical explanation
• Empirical studies of folk metaphysics
• Social ontology and feminist metaphysics
• Quantum holism and fundamentality
• Interactions between grounding and causation

His scholarly recognition includes:

• APA Article Prize (2008)
• AJP Best Paper Award (2008)
• Young Epistemologist Prize (2002)
• Philosophy of Science Recent Ph.D. Essay Contest (2001)
• Selection among ten best philosophy articles (Philosopher's Annual 2009)

As Director of Graduate Placement, Schaffer oversees doctoral career development but specific advising relationships and grant activities aren't detailed in available sources.