Erick J. Ramirez

Erick J. Ramirez is a Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Santa Clara University. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of California San Diego (2012). His work focuses on moral psychology, sentimentalism, and the ethical implications of virtual and augmented reality technologies. He explores interdisciplinary issues involving empathy, embodiment, and the use of VR in experiments and behavioral modification.

• Research Highlights:
• Develops VR modules for classic philosophical thought experiments.
• Investigates the ethics of VR applications in empathy training and clinical contexts.
• Contributed to discussions on VR’s role in simulating experiences of marginalized groups (e.g., homelessness, race, disability).

His work has been featured in media outlets like Medium and Yahoo, addressing topics such as police VR training and the ethical dilemmas of immersive technologies. He maintains an active research lab (Imaginarium/Virtual Reality Lab) and collaborates on projects related to the Metaverse and blended identities.

Erick’s academic contributions span metaphilosophy and trolley problemology, emphasizing the application of emerging technologies to philosophical inquiry.