Walter Dean

Walter Dean is an Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Warwick. He holds a PhD in Computer Science (2010, CUNY) and Philosophy (2007, Rutgers), with an MSc in Logic (1999, University of Amsterdam). His research focuses on the intersection of Philosophy of Mathematics, Mathematical Logic, and Theoretical Computer Science, particularly exploring how results in Reverse Mathematics and computational complexity theory relate to questions of mathematical applicability and existence.

• Education
  • PhD in Computer Science, CUNY Graduate Center (2010)
  • PhD in Philosophy, Rutgers University (2007)
  • MSc in Logic, University of Amsterdam (1999)

Dean has been on research leave as a fellow of the French Institute for Advanced Study (2022-2023) and a Von Humboldt Fellow at the MCMP in Munich (2020-2022). His work investigates the method of arithmetization, barriers in mathematical problem-solving, and the philosophical implications of undecidability and nonstandard models.

Key research areas include:

• Philosophy of mathematical applicability
• Algorithmic and complexity-theoretic limitations
• History and philosophy of computation
• Reverse Mathematics and subsystems of second-order arithmetic
• Informal rigour and metamathematical analysis

Scientific Awards:

• Fellow, French Institute for Advanced Study (2022-2023)
• Von Humboldt Fellowship (2020-2022)
• Agence Nationale de la Recherche Fellowship
• Netherlands-America Foundation Fellowship

Dean has presented extensively on topics such as non-Euclidean geometry, algorithmic identity, and complexity-theoretic barriers. His publications span journals like Philosophia Mathematica and Review of Symbolic Logic, as well as encyclopedic works on Kreisel's paradox and computational models. He serves as Philosophy convenor for Warwick's Mathematics and Philosophy joint degrees.