Erica Shumener

Erica Shumener is an Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Syracuse University. She received her PhD from New York University in 2016 and is a member of the American Philosophical Association's Eastern Division. Her academic work focuses primarily on metaphysics and the philosophy of science.

Dr. Shumener's primary research interests lie in metaphysics, with specializations in laws of nature, determinables, relative fundamentality, physicalism, and identity and distinctness facts. Her work often explores the intersection between metaphysical questions and the philosophy of science, particularly examining how concepts like identity, laws of nature, and fundamentality function within scientific contexts. She has developed novel accounts of how laws govern natural phenomena and has made significant contributions to debates about Humeanism versus non-Humeanism regarding laws of nature.

Analysis of Dr. Shumener's publications reveals a consistent focus on foundational metaphysical questions, particularly surrounding identity, laws of nature, and fundamentality. Her work demonstrates sophisticated engagement with both historical philosophical traditions and contemporary debates. She has published in top philosophy journals including Philosophical Perspectives, Philosophical Studies, Synthese, and the British Journal for the Philosophy of Science, indicating the high regard in which her work is held by the philosophical community.

Dr. Shumener has authored a book titled "Identity" published by Cambridge University Press in 2022, which examines identity criteria and Leibniz's Law. Her scholarly contributions have been influential in contemporary metaphysics, with her work being cited by other philosophers working in related areas.