Rachel Goodman

Rachel Goodman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), where she also serves as Director of Graduate Admissions. She holds a PhD from the University of Chicago and previously taught at the University of Nebraska and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Her research focuses on the philosophy of mind and language, with core interests in mental representation, singular thought, and the concept of mental files. Key themes include the nature of de re reference, explanations of de jure coreference, representational formats, and the format/content distinction. Her work bridges cognitive science and philosophical analysis to explore how mental states represent the world.

Recent publications (2022–2024) emphasize refining theories of mental files, analyzing singular thought mechanisms, and critiquing philosophical frameworks for reference. These studies often intersect with debates on proper names, semantic theory, and cognitive architecture.

Goodman has held teaching roles at multiple institutions and currently oversees graduate admissions at UIC, reflecting her commitment to academic mentorship and institutional leadership.