Christopher Yeomans

Christopher Yeomans is Professor and Head of the Department of Philosophy at Purdue University's College of Liberal Arts. He earned his PhD from the University of California, Riverside in 2005 and joined the Purdue faculty in 2009. His academic leadership role as department head combines with his scholarly expertise in German Idealism, particularly Hegelian philosophy.

Dr. Yeomans' research interests span multiple domains within philosophy, with primary focus on Hegel and German Philosophy, Philosophy of Action, Political Philosophy, Philosophy of Law, and Social and Political Philosophy. His work also extends to 19th Century Philosophy, Philosophy of Gender, Race, and Sexuality, 17th/18th Century Philosophy, Continental Philosophy, and European Philosophy. His scholarly approach bridges historical analysis with contemporary philosophical concerns.

His recent publications reveal a sophisticated engagement with Hegel's thought across multiple dimensions - from logic and metaphysics to political philosophy and the philosophy of mathematics. His research demonstrates how Hegelian concepts can illuminate contemporary issues ranging from artificial intelligence ethics to economic institutions. The trajectory of his work shows increasing attention to the interplay between historical context and philosophical concepts, particularly in how Hegel's ideas remain relevant to modern philosophical challenges.

Scientific Recognition:

• Purdue Provost's Faculty Fellowship for Study in a Second Discipline (History)
• Support from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
• Funding from the National Science Foundation

Dr. Yeomans currently pursues three major research programs: (1) A series of papers on Hegel's natural and mathematical philosophy with Ralph Kaufmann; (2) A book manuscript titled 'A Social Ontology of Economic Institutions' with Justin Litaker that rethinks concepts of economic activity; and (3) A book manuscript exploring Hegel's understanding of concepts as forms of self-consciousness. His work consistently demonstrates how historical philosophical concepts can provide frameworks for contemporary theoretical challenges.

His laboratory of philosophical inquiry functions through collaborative projects, scholarly publications, and academic mentorship within Purdue's philosophy department, where he leads both administrative and intellectual initiatives that strengthen the department's research profile and educational mission.