معرفی
Christopher David Viger is an Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Western University, holding a dual affiliation with the Rotman Institute of Philosophy. Based in the Western Interdisciplinary Research Building in London, Ontario, he serves as Assistant Department Chair and contributes to the Philosophy of Mind and Cognitive Science research domain within the Rotman Institute.
His educational background includes foundational training in mathematics and logic, followed by retraining in philosophy at Carleton University under Andrew Brook. He completed his PhD in Philosophy at McGill University supervised by Paul Pietroski, after which he held postdoctoral positions at Tufts University (with Daniel Dennett), Dalhousie University, and the CUNY Graduate Center/Rutgers Center for Cognitive Science.
Dr. Viger's research centers on the language-thought relationship, where he developed the Acquired Language of Thought Hypothesis (ALOT) challenging traditional LOT models. He argues conceptual structure interfaces specialized processing modules, with compositionality emerging from natural language rather than innate cognition. His newer work investigates neural connectivity to explain implicit bias, dual process theory failures, and limitations in brain training applications, aiming to improve critical thinking pedagogy.
His publication trajectory shows consistent focus on foundational cognitive questions, with recent work (2018-2024) examining language ontology and interpretive effects, while maintaining engagement with core themes like conceptual compositionality and the binding problem. Early influential contributions addressed LOT critiques and philosophical logic puzzles.
Key recognitions include:
- Marilyn Robinson Teaching Award (2008)
- SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Rotman Faculty Fellowship in Philosophy and Neuroscience (2012-2014)
Administratively, he served as Undergraduate Chair (2010-2014) while maintaining active research collaborations across institutions. His work bridges philosophy, cognitive science, and neuroscience through the Rotman Institute's interdisciplinary framework, with recent scholarship increasingly addressing educational applications of cognitive theory.
Dr. Viger maintains strong institutional presence through the Rotman Institute's Philosophy of Mind and Cognitive Science domain, collaborating with researchers like Tim Bayne and Mel Goodale. His postdoctoral work with Daniel Dennett at Tufts established enduring connections to major cognitive science centers, reflected in ongoing engagement with CUNY and Rutgers research networks.
