David Builes

David Builes is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Princeton University. He received his PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Department of Linguistics and Philosophy in 2020. His research spans multiple areas of philosophy with particular focus on metaphysical questions about time, consciousness, and scientific explanation.

Dr. Builes's research interests include:

• Metaphysical questions about time, persistence, and modality
• Epistemological issues related to self-locating belief and evidence
• Philosophy of mind questions concerning consciousness and the first-person perspective
• Philosophy of science inquiries into laws of nature and physical theories
• Philosophy of mathematics questions about the nature of mathematical objects

Builes's recent work has explored connections between metaphysical views and empirical science, particularly examining how views in the metaphysics of time relate to physical theories like Special Relativity. His research often bridges traditional philosophical divides, connecting metaphysical questions with epistemological concerns and insights from physics. He has developed novel positions such as 'Humean Non-Humeanism' and 'Modal Idealism,' while making significant contributions to debates about Presentism, Countabilism, and the nature of properties.

Builes has published numerous articles in top philosophy journals including Philosophy and Phenomenological Research, Mind, Noûs, Analysis, and The Monist. He has collaborated with prominent philosophers such as Caspar Hare, Trevor Teitel, and Jessica Wilson, demonstrating the interdisciplinary nature of his work.