David Liggins

Dr. David Liggins is a Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at The University of Manchester. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Sheffield (2005) and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Cambridge (2005-6) with Analysis Trust support. He joined Manchester in 2006 and became Senior Lecturer in 2010. His research focuses on ontology, particularly debates about the existence of mathematical objects, composite entities, and propositions. He advocates sparse ontological theories, exploring fictionalism, pretence, and error theory. Recent work addresses higher-order logic's metaphysical significance and alethic nihilism.

He directed the AHRC-funded 'Foundations of Ontology' project (2011-14). Awards include an AHRC Research Leave Award (2009-10). He served as Editor of Analysis (2016-2024) and Associate Editor of the Australasian Journal of Philosophy. Teaching includes Philosophy of Mathematics and Research Skills at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Recent talks include presentations on alethic nihilism and semantic paradoxes at institutions like the Universities of Turin, Valencia, and Leeds. His publications challenge traditional ontological commitments, emphasizing parsimony and deflationary approaches to truth and paradox.