Pär Sundström

Pär Sundström is a Professor in the Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies at Umeå University, Sweden, where he serves as head of the philosophy subject. He teaches courses for teacher candidates and students in philosophy and cognitive science programs from his office in Humanisthuset, HUM.J.111, Umeå.

His research centers on philosophy of mind, exploring consciousness, perception (particularly color and secondary qualities), concepts and their acquisition, and cognitive development. Sundström argues sensory qualities are not constituents of consciousness, investigates cognition-perception interdependence, and critically assesses physicalist explanations of consciousness through works like 'Colour and consciousness' (2007) and 'How physicalists can—And cannot—Explain...' (2018).

Analysis of his 2018-2022 publications reveals sustained engagement with transparency of experience, representationalism, and mind-body problem debates. His work consistently challenges established views like the phenomenal concept strategy while examining conceptual empiricism and sensory concept acquisition across diverse philosophical frameworks.

Sundström secured research funding for 'How are we able to think about things?' (2020-2022) and 'Thought and experience: An investigation into concept empiricism' (2007-2010). He actively mentors students in philosophy and cognitive science, contributing to Umeå University's academic community through teaching and research leadership.