Stephen Kearns

Stephen Kearns is a Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Florida State University. He received his D.Phil. from the University of Oxford in 2007 and has established himself as a prominent philosopher specializing in metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics.

Dr. Kearns earned his D.Phil. from the University of Oxford, one of the world's most prestigious institutions for philosophical study.

His research spans a wide range of philosophical topics including free will, action theory, philosophy of religion, knowledge, theories of personal identity, puzzle cases in personal identity, property nominalism, moral responsibility, reasons, and Berkeley's metaphysics. His work often explores the intersections between these areas, particularly examining how questions of identity, responsibility, and rationality connect across different philosophical domains. Kearns maintains a rigorous analytical approach while engaging deeply with both historical philosophical texts and contemporary debates.

Kearns' recent publications demonstrate a continued focus on foundational philosophical questions related to identity, free will, and moral responsibility. His work shows consistent engagement with both historical philosophical texts and contemporary debates, often bringing fresh perspectives to longstanding puzzles. There's a noticeable trend toward examining the relationship between situational factors and moral responsibility, as well as continued exploration of personal identity puzzles and the nature of reasons in normative contexts.

Dr. Kearns has maintained an active research agenda with numerous publications in top philosophy journals including Inquiry, Analysis, Mind, and Noûs. His collaborative work with scholars like Marcela Herdova, Daniel Star, and Neil Levy demonstrates his engagement with the broader philosophical community.

While specific advising relationships aren't detailed in the available information, Kearns' extensive publication record and academic position suggest active mentorship of graduate students. His collaborative publications indicate participation in research partnerships and scholarly dialogue with colleagues across the field of philosophy.