Matthew Fulkerson

Matthew Fulkerson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of California, San Diego. His research focuses on the intersection of emotions, perception, pain, and bodily awareness, with a particular emphasis on the role of touch and haptic exploration in shaping human experience. He investigates how sensory modalities interact, especially concerning self-awareness and the integration of sensory inputs into a coherent sense of self.

Key research areas include:

• Embodied cognition and multisensory integration
• Philosophical analysis of pain and sensory motivation
• Epistemological dimensions of tactile perception
• Conceptual relationships between emotion, perception, and rationality

His work often bridges traditional philosophy of mind with empirical findings from cognitive science. Recent publications explore topics like the Molyneux problem, the natural-kind status of pain, and the aggregation model of sensory motivation. Though no specific awards are listed, his contributions reflect sustained engagement with interdisciplinary debates in perception studies.

Dr. Fulkerson's research also examines the philosophical implications of peripersonal space and the role of touch in forming bodily self-awareness. He critiques overreliance on visual-centric models, advocating for a more inclusive understanding of human sensory systems.