Find Academic Supervisors

Stéphanie RuphyView profile

Professor

• Philosophy of Science
• Scientific Pluralism
• Scientific Integrity
• +5 more

Stéphanie Ruphy is a Professor of Philosophy of Science at the École Normale Supérieure - PSL University in Paris, where she conducts research at the intersection of philosophy, science policy, and scientific integrity. She currently serves as Director of the French Office for Research Integrity (OFIS), demonstrating her leadership in promoting ethical research practices across France. Her educational background is uniquely interdisciplinary, holding a doctorate in astrophysics from Sorbonne University and a PhD in philosophy from Columbia University in New York. This dual expertise informs her distinctive approach to philosophical questions about science. Ruphy's research centers on scientific pluralism, scientific integrity, and the relationship between science and democracy. She has developed the concept of "foliated pluralism," which challenges traditional metaphysical interpretations of scientific diversity. Her work examines how citizen participation can enhance scientific objectivity and how research governance structures affect scientific progress. She explores the philosophical implications of computer simulations in scientific practice and investigates questions about natural kinds across different scientific domains. Her publications reveal a consistent focus on the philosophical foundations of scientific practice, with particular attention to the relationship between scientific methods and societal values. Ruphy has made significant contributions to understanding how scientific pluralism relates to metaphysical questions, how citizen science affects scientific objectivity, and how research integrity frameworks can be strengthened. Her work bridges theoretical philosophy with practical concerns about research governance. Among her notable honors: Member of Academia Europaea (2018) Member of European Academy of Sciences (EURASC) (2017) Appointed to French Council for Scientific Integrity (CoFIS) (2017) As an educator at the École Normale Supérieure, Ruphy mentors future researchers in understanding their responsibilities within knowledge societies. She has observed growing student interest in "involved" research connected to societal concerns. Her work on a research integrity oath for PhD students in France demonstrates her commitment to embedding ethical considerations in research training. She actively engages with policy questions about balancing scientific freedom with societal responsibilities. Ruphy leads significant initiatives in research integrity through her directorship of OFIS, where she organizes conferences and develops frameworks for maintaining trust in scientific practices. Her work connects academic philosophy with practical policy concerns, creating bridges between theoretical considerations and real-world research governance.

• Family
• Gender
• Demography
• +5 more

Julia Behrman serves as an Associate Professor of Sociology at Northwestern University, where she conducts internationally recognized research on family change in global contexts. Her work examines how family structures interact with major societal forces including educational expansion, environmental change, women's labor force participation, and migration patterns, with particular attention to power dynamics within households and their implications for social inequality. Dr. Behrman earned her PhD from New York University in 2017 following a Postdoctoral Prize Research Fellowship at Nuffield College, University of Oxford. Her methodological expertise combines advanced quantitative techniques with comparative demographic analysis across diverse geographical settings. Her research program centers on family sociology, gender studies, and demography, with significant contributions to understanding how events like natural disasters, migration, and policy changes alter family power structures. She investigates whether evolving family forms mitigate or reinforce inequalities both between and within households, addressing critical questions about who holds decision-making authority in families and how crises reshape these dynamics. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong methodological emphasis on quantitative analysis of large-scale datasets, with thematic focus on reproductive health preferences, migration impacts, and family size norms across the United States, France, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Her work consistently bridges demographic trends with sociological theory to explain household-level responses to macro-level social changes. Her scholarly excellence has been recognized through multiple prestigious awards: American Sociological Association Section on Education Award American Sociological Association Section on Population Award American Sociological Association Section on Development Award Society for the Study of Social Problems Award Population Association of America Award Sociologist AIDS Network Award Dr. Behrman has secured competitive research funding from the National Science Foundation and South African Medical Research Council to support her investigations into family and demographic change. As an educator, she teaches undergraduate courses including "Gender and Society" and graduate-level courses in "Research Design" and "Regression II," while actively mentoring PhD students through a structured advising process that emphasizes methodological rigor and theoretical innovation.

• Philosophy of Science
• Scientific Skepticism
• Epistemology
• +2 more

Alexander Reutlinger is Professor of Philosophy of Science at LMU Munich, where he coordinates the Master program in Logic and Philosophy of Science. His research examines scientific skepticism, objectivity, and non-causal forms of explanation. He develops philosophical frameworks for distinguishing legitimate scientific critique from strategic skepticism, while exploring how scientific knowledge maintains objectivity through invariant properties. Research Interests: Demarcation of scientific skepticism Invariance theories of objectivity Counterfactual approaches to explanation Role of values in scientific inquiry Honors: Teaching Award for 2016/17 academic year

• Philosophy of Science
• Emergentism
• Metaphysics
• +3 more

Olivier Sartenaer is a Lecturer at the University of Namur, affiliated with the Department of Science and Philosophy. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy from UCLouvain (2013), focusing on 'Emergence and reduction: an epistemological analysis of the dynamics of natural systems'. His research emphasizes emergentism, metaphysics, and the philosophy of science, particularly addressing topics like non-reductive physicalism and scientific demarcation. He leads the 'Re-engineering Non-reductive Physicalism for the 21st Century' project (2023–2025), exploring interdisciplinary dimensions in biology and physics. Sartenaer has received prestigious fellowships including the Alexander von Humboldt (2017) and BAEF Francqui (2013). He actively engages in public discourse through media contributions (e.g., RTBF, podcasts) and academic activities, including over 150 participations in conferences, seminars, and lectures. His work contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) through science communication initiatives. Education: PhD in Philosophy from UCLouvain (2013) Key Research Areas: Emergentism, philosophy of science, epistemology, metaphysics Awards: 13 fellowships including Alexander von Humboldt, BAEF/ Francqui, and FNRS Research Interests: Sartenaer’s work bridges philosophy with empirical sciences, focusing on emergence theory, scientific pluralism, and the critique of pseudoscience. His recent projects analyze the demarcation problem, the nature of scientific evidence, and the societal implications of AI like ChatGPT. He advocates for clear communication to counter anti-scientific narratives, as seen in his media engagements addressing topics like conspiracy theories and science literacy. Recent Article Trends: His 2024 publications address epistemic contextualism in demarcation, spatial philosophy, and science-antiscience dynamics. Earlier works (2019–2023) explore technological emergence, causal exclusion, and non-standard metaphysical frameworks. These contributions underscore his commitment to integrating philosophical rigor with contemporary scientific challenges. Grants & Projects: PI of the 2023–2025 project on non-reductive physicalism Public Engagement: Over 19 media contributions, including expert commentary on kinésiologie, AI ethics, and scientific communication Labs/Teams: Collaborates through the Namur Centre de Recherche Science & Philosophy and interdisciplinary networks like the Rome-Namur Workshop on Emergence. His work frequently intersects with institutions like the Archives Poincaré (University of Lorraine) and the Belgian Royal Academy.

Alexander ChristianView profile

Lecturer

• Research Ethics
• Bioethics
• Good Scientific Practice
• +7 more

Dr. Alexander Christian is a tenured Lecturer at the Department of Philosophy within the Faculty of Philosophy at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany. Since April 2022, he has led a cross-faculty program on ethics of science and bioethics, serving as project lead with QVM funding for 1.5 permanent lecturer posts. He previously served as assistant director of the Duesseldorf Center for Logic and Philosophy of Science (DCLPS) and as managing director of the German Society for Philosophy of Science (GWP) from 2022-2025. His educational background includes: Doctorate in Philosophy (Dr. phil., summa cum laude) from Heinrich Heine University (2018) Master of Arts in Philosophy from Heinrich Heine University (2012) Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Heinrich Heine University (2011) Christian's research centers on the intersection of research ethics and bioethics , with particular focus on good scientific practice , ethical regulation of controversial biomedical research , and science denialism . His work examines ethical implications of genome editing, stem cell research, and virological/epidemiological evidence denial, while extending to animal ethics, environmental ethics, and medical ethics. He bridges theoretical philosophy with practical policy applications through his cross-faculty program at HHU. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent trajectory addressing societal challenges in science: combating science denial through improved communication strategies, developing ethical frameworks for emerging biotechnologies, and strengthening research integrity mechanisms. His interdisciplinary approach integrates philosophy, policy analysis, and public engagement, with increasing emphasis on marginalized stakeholder representation in regulatory debates. Christian has secured significant research funding including €140,000 for his Ethics of Science project (2020-2022), €18,000 for CRISPR blogging (2022), and €15,000 for science denialism research (2020-2021). He has been nominated for the HHU teaching award in 2021, 2022, and 2023. He supervises bachelor's and master's theses, requiring prior preparation through his Good Scientific Practice and Moral Problems in Biomedical Research syllabi. Christian co-organizes the 2025 Summer School on Pluralism, Pragmatism and Perspectivism in Philosophy of Science (to be published by Springer) and has led workshops for high school students through UniStem Day. As guest editor for special issues in the Journal for Ethics and Moral Philosophy and Frontiers in Research Metrics and Analytics, he actively shapes discourse on biomedical research ethics.

Guntram HerbView profile

Professor

• Political Geography
• Nationalism Studies
• Border Studies
• +3 more

Dr. Guntram Herb is a Professor in the Department of Geography at Middlebury College, teaching courses such as Border Geographies and Political Geography. He holds a Vordiplom and Diplom from Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, Germany, and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research focuses on political geography, nationalism, and cartography, with a particular interest in borders, territorial disputes, and the role of maps in shaping power dynamics. He directs the Border Rites research project and has authored/co-edited significant works including Scaling Identities and the Cambridge World Atlas . Herb advises senior theses and oversees independent studies, emphasizing critical cartography and geopolitical analysis. His teaching spans undergraduate and graduate levels, integrating historical, theoretical, and applied perspectives. Education: Vordiplom, Diplom – Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, Germany Ph.D. – University of Wisconsin-Madison Research Interests: Herb investigates how maps and borders shape national identities and political power. Key themes include: Border geographies and transnational communities Historical cartography and propaganda Political geography theory Peace movements and spatial justice Nationalism and territorial claims Teaching: Courses emphasize critical engagement with spatial politics, including: Place and Society Border Geographies Seminar in Political Geography Senior Thesis supervision Publications: Over 30 articles and books, including edited volumes on nationalism and global cartography. Recent work explores Indigenous border-crossing and the role of maps in erasing marginalized communities.

Jagdish HattiangadiView profile

Professor

• Philosophy of Science
• Philosophy of Language
• Metaphysics
• +5 more

Jagdish Hattiangadi is a Professor in the Department of Philosophy at York University, affiliated with the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies. His research focuses on Philosophy of Science, Philosophy of Language, Metaphysics, Epistemology, and the History of Ideas. He holds a BA (1962, University of Bombay), MA (1965, University of London), and PhD (1970, Princeton). His work bridges historical and contemporary philosophy, addressing themes like scientific rationality, incommensurability of theories, and the philosophy of mind. Recent publications include analyses of quantum mechanics’ metaphysical implications, the evolution of moral conduct, and the demarcation between science and metaphysics. Dr. Hattiangadi has presented at international conferences on topics ranging from evolutionary epistemology to the philosophy of biology. His research often intersects with interdisciplinary fields, such as the cognitive sciences and social philosophy.

Kristina RolinView profile

Lecturer

• Philosophy of Science
• Social Epistemology
• Research Ethics
• +3 more

Kristina Rolin is a University Lecturer in Philosophy at Tampere University, affiliated with the History, Philosophy and Literary Studies department. Her work focuses on the philosophy of science, social epistemology, and research ethics, with a particular interest in the role of values in science, epistemic injustice, trust, and collective knowing. She teaches courses on research ethics and philosophy of science at Tampere University. Her research explores themes such as epistemic trustworthiness, institutional interventions in science, and the ethical dimensions of scientific practices. Rolin has published extensively on topics including epistemic exploitation, diversity in science, and the intersection of feminist theory with scientific inquiry. Her work often bridges theoretical philosophy with applied ethics, addressing contemporary challenges in science and academia. Rolin's publications span journals like Studies in History and Philosophy of Science and Synthese , with contributions to edited volumes such as the Routledge Handbook of Feminist Philosophy of Science . Her recent work emphasizes remedying epistemic injustice through community-based approaches and institutional reforms. Her contributions include editing special issues on social and cognitive diversity in science and co-authoring key papers on transdisciplinary research, structural epistemic justice, and trust in science. Rolin actively engages in scholarly networks, reflecting her commitment to advancing ethical and inclusive scientific practices globally.

• Philosophy of Language
• Epistemology
• Philosophy of Science
• +5 more

Filip Tvrdý is a Researcher at the Slovak Academy of Sciences , affiliated with the Department of Logic and the Methodology of Sciences at Comenius University's Faculty of Arts . His work bridges philosophy of science , epistemology , and argumentation theory , with a focus on pseudoscience epistemology , evolutionary biology , and experimental psychology . PhD in Philosophy (2011), Palacký University in Olomouc MA in Philosophy-Sociology (2002), Palacký University in Olomouc Tvrdý's research examines how evolutionary biology and experimental psychology can address traditional philosophical problems. His recent work on conditional sentence semantics (2024) critiques terminological imprecision in philosophers' treatment of morphosyntax and semantics. Other key contributions include studies on conspiratorial thinking rationality , epistemic vices , and teleological explanations in biology . Publications include 2 monographs and over 15 papers in journals like Filozofia and Czech and Slovak Journal of Humanities . His work has been presented at international conferences including the 1st International Conference on the Philosophy of Conspiracy Theory (Claremont, 2022) and the European Congress of Analytic Philosophy (Utrecht, 2020). Current research explores semantic analysis of conditional sentences under the Slovak Academy of Sciences' APVV project .

• Philosophy of Science
• Metascience
• Pseudoscience
• +4 more

Kåre Letrud serves as an Associate Professor at the Department of Law, Philosophy and International Studies within the Innlandet School of Business – Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences at the University of Inland Norway. Based at the Lillehammer campus, Letrud holds a Dr. Philos. in philosophy from the University of Bergen and maintains active research profiles on Philpeople and Researchgate. Institution: University of Inland Norway Faculty: Innlandet School of Business – Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences Department: Department of Law, Philosophy and International Studies Campus: Lillehammer Letrud earned his Dr. Philos. in philosophy from the University of Bergen. His doctoral work focused on defining 'scientific myth' and examining how such myths spread in academic literature and survive repeated criticism. This early research established the foundation for his ongoing scholarly pursuits in metascience and philosophy of science. Professor Letrud's primary research interests center on philosophy of science and metascience (research on research), employing both philosophical analysis and empirical methods. His current projects investigate whether contrasting science with pseudoscience helps us understand scientific boundaries and what criteria should be used to assess the quality of scientific journals. Letrud explicitly states he is open to collaboration, particularly on metascience topics including innovations to improve academic publications. His work has established him as a significant contributor to the demarcation problem in philosophy of science, focusing on how scientific myths propagate and persist despite critical scrutiny. Analysis of Letrud's publication record reveals a sustained scholarly trajectory focused on scientific demarcation and academic mythology. His work demonstrates increasing methodological sophistication, moving from conceptual analysis toward empirical investigation of how scientific myths spread. Recent publications show deeper engagement with consensus formation in scientific communities and the philosophical underpinnings of pseudoscience identification. The progression from examining specific myths (like the learning pyramid) to broader theoretical questions about scientific demarcation indicates an evolving research agenda that has gained recognition in philosophy of science circles. Professor Letrud maintains active scholarly connections through his Philpeople and Researchgate profiles, facilitating international collaboration. While specific grant information isn't provided in the available materials, his sustained publication record across multiple high-impact journals suggests successful research funding. His work bridges philosophy with practical concerns in academic publishing and research evaluation, positioning him as a thought leader in metascience. Letrud's research operates at the intersection of philosophy, education, and scientific practice, contributing to critical discussions about knowledge validation in academic contexts. His collaborative work with Sigbjørn Hernes on scientific myths demonstrates engagement with interdisciplinary research teams focused on understanding how ideas propagate through academic channels. This work has implications for research methodology, academic publishing, and science education.

Carol ClelandView profile

Professor

• Philosophy of Science
• Astrobiology
• Philosophy of Biology
• +4 more

Carol Cleland is a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Colorado Boulder, affiliated with the Center for Astrobiology and the newly established Center for the Study of Origins. She holds a PhD from Brown University (1981) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University’s Center for the Study of Language and Information. Her research focuses on philosophy of science, particularly historical sciences, the nature of life, astrobiology, and metaphysics. She co-authored The Nature of Life (2010) and authored The Quest for a Universal Theory of Life (2019). Key contributions include coining the term “shadow biosphere” and advocating for rethinking methodologies in historical sciences. She collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on astrobiology and mineralogical natural kinds. Her work bridges philosophy, biology, and geology, emphasizing open-ended approaches to discovering life beyond Earth’s known forms. Education: PhD in Philosophy (Brown University, 1981); Postdoctoral Fellowship at Stanford University (1985–1986). Research Interests : Philosophy of science (historical and experimental methods), astrobiology, philosophy of biology (microbial diversity, shadow biosphere), metaphysics (causation, space-time), and computability theory. Current projects include rethinking mineralogical natural kinds and anomalies in scientific discovery. Advising & Grants: Co-Investigator on NASA-funded projects (e.g., Rock-Powered Life team) and Templeton Foundation grants. Active in interdisciplinary initiatives like the Center for the Study of Origins, exploring methodologies across disciplines for studying origins of life, climate, and cultures. Labs/Teams: Member of CU’s Center for Astrobiology; leads the Center for the Study of Origins, fostering collaboration between natural scientists, social scientists, and humanities scholars. Recent focus includes climate and human history connections, such as the Little Ice Age’s global impacts.

Ilmari HirvonenView profile

Researcher

• Philosophy
• Philosophy of Science
• Philosophy of Pseudoscience
• +4 more

Ilmari Hirvonen is a Doctoral Researcher at the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Social Sciences , affiliated with the TINT – Centre for Philosophy of Social Science and the Doctoral Programme in Philosophy, Arts, and Society . His work focuses on philosophy of science, pseudoscience demarcation, epistemology of modality, and philosophical pedagogy. He has received grant funding from the Emil Aaltosen Säätiö for his project on pseudoscience in Finnish workplaces (2023–2025). Fields of Interest : Philosophy of Pseudoscience, Epistemology, Ethics, Philosophy of Education, Cultural Philosophy, and Artificial Intelligence. Research Contributions : His recent publications explore pseudoscience in education, ethical reasoning in schools, and intersections between Wittgensteinian philosophy and AI. He has presented at seminars on worldview education and pseudoscience criticism. Media Engagement : Actively contributes to public discourse through national media appearances, clarifying pseudoscience issues for journalists and the public.

Matt FarrView profile

Teaching Professor

• Philosophy of Science
• Metaphysics
• Causality
• +4 more

Dr. Matt Farr is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow of Wolfson College. He earned his PhD in Philosophy from the University of Bristol (2013) and held postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Sydney (2013–2014) and the University of Queensland (2014–2017). Research Interests: Matt specializes in philosophical problems concerning time and causality within science, particularly in physics and cognitive science. His 'C-theory of Time' posits that time is fundamentally directionless, reconciling this with scientific theory and human experience. Current projects include exploring global constraints in physics and personhood across time in medical ethics. Recent Publications: His work spans journals like British Journal for the Philosophy of Science and Synthese , focusing on time directionality, causation in quantum mechanics, and temporal perception. Trends in his publications emphasize interdisciplinary connections between physics, metaphysics, and cognitive neuroscience, with a forthcoming book defending the C-theory of Time. Teaching: He supervises undergraduate and MPhil dissertations on philosophy of science, metaphysics, and philosophy of mind, teaching courses such as 'Space, Time & Reality' and 'Philosophy of Probability'. Media & Public Engagement: Matt contributes to public discourse via platforms like IAI News and Aeon, and participates in podcast discussions, lectures, and seminars globally.

Amerigo BarzaghiView profile

Researcher

• Philosophy of Religion
• Metaphysics
• Fundamental Theology
• +4 more

Amerigo Barzaghi is a faculty member in the Division of Humanities at Saint Louis University-Madrid, specializing in Theology Education. He holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the Northwestern Italian Philosophy Consortium – University of Genoa, and an interdisciplinary Plural Society doctorate from CEU Cardenal Herrera University and Studium Generale Marcianum. His academic background bridges philosophy, theology, and biological sciences. His research focuses on the intersection of philosophy and theology, particularly in areas such as Philosophy of Religion, Metaphysics, Fundamental Theology, and Science and Theology . He explores the philosophical foundations of religious belief, the dialogue between scientific and theological worldviews, and the legacy of key thinkers like Ernan McMullin, Pascal, and contemporary neoclassical philosophers. His work often engages with the challenges posed by modern science to traditional theism and seeks rigorous philosophical articulation of faith. His recent publications, including articles in Religions , Rivista di Filosofia Neo-Scolastica , and Scientia et Fides , demonstrate a consistent engagement with themes of natural theology, human uniqueness, the problem of evil, and the epistemological status of religious claims. His scholarship reflects a deep commitment to interdisciplinary dialogue, particularly between Catholic thought and contemporary scientific and philosophical discourse. Selected Scientific Contributions: Nichilismo e morte di Dio (2024) – Co-authored volume on philosophical and theological responses to nihilism. Multiple 2024 articles in Religions addressing the Fifth Way, Darwinism, and Ernan McMullin’s legacy. Co-editor of a major 2023 volume on El mal (Evil) in Cauriensia . Longstanding contributions to ESSSAT yearbooks on science and theology. Dr. Barzaghi advises on philosophical and theological dimensions of science and religion. His research is supported through academic publishing and participation in scholarly societies such as the European Society for the Study of Science and Theology (ESSSAT). While no formal grant information is listed, his publication output indicates active research engagement. He is also involved in collaborative projects with scholars like J. Vilarroig and J. Corcó. He contributes to academic life through editorial work and participation in interdisciplinary forums that bridge philosophy, theology, and science. His focus on neoclassical and Italian philosophical traditions situates him within a distinct intellectual lineage that emphasizes rational coherence in theological discourse.

David I. SpanagelView profile

Associate Professor

• History of Science
• Environmental History
• Geology History
• +2 more

David I. Spanagel is Associate Professor in Humanities and Arts at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, affiliated with American Studies, Environmental Studies, History, and Science & Technology programs. He holds a PhD from Harvard University (1996), MSEd from University of Rochester (1984), and BA from Oberlin College (1982). His research explores the history of earth and environmental sciences, examining how scientific knowledge evolves through social, political, and cultural contexts. Spanagel's scholarship focuses on historical actors' engagement with nature and knowledge formation, with publications analyzing early American geology, territorial mapping, and scientific boundary demarcation. At WPI, he teaches Great Problems Seminars and advises Interactive Qualifying Projects, emphasizing experiential learning to develop lifelong critical thinking skills. His interdisciplinary approach connects scientific history with engineering principles, political power structures, and cultural belief systems.