Gregor M. Hörzer

Gregor M. Hörzer is a Research Fellow at the Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Osnabrück, Germany, where he also serves as Coordinator of Bachelors' and Masters' Cognitive Science programs and Dean of Studies. Previously, he was Scientific Coordinator for the DFG-funded research training group "Situated Cognition" (2021-2023) and held a substitute professorship (2020) at the same institute. His dual PhD background bridges computational neuroscience and analytic philosophy.

Education:

• PhD in Philosophy (Cognitive Science), University of Osnabrück (2018, summa cum laude)
• PhD in Computer Science, Graz University of Technology (2011)
• Master's in Philosophy, University of Graz (2014, with distinction)
• Master's in Telematics (Information and Computer Engineering), Graz University of Technology (2008, with distinction)
• Bachelor's in Telematics, Graz University of Technology (2006)

Hörzer's research is grounded in analytic philosophy, with Metaphysics of Mind and Physicalism as core focuses. He critically examines the mind-body problem and phenomenal consciousness, arguing against eliminative materialism's ability to account for subjective experience. In philosophy of science, he investigates metaphysics of mechanisms within new mechanist explanation frameworks, particularly regarding biologically inspired learning processes. His early computational neuroscience work informs current interdisciplinary approaches to consciousness and cognition.

His publications demonstrate a consistent trajectory in philosophy of mind, highlighted by the 2015 article analyzing Sandro Nannini's cognitive naturalism. The work challenges analogies between relativity physics and consciousness theory, emphasizing the irreducibility of phenomenal feel—a theme expanded in his 2020 book "Understanding Physicalism".

Scientific Awards:

• Wolfgang Stegmüller Award (2022) from the German Society for Analytic Philosophy (GAP) for "Understanding Physicalism"

Advising and Grants:

While no individual PhD students are listed, Hörzer oversees academic guidance as Dean of Studies for Cognitive Science programs. His grant leadership includes coordinating the DFG-funded "Situated Cognition" research training group (2021-2023), facilitating doctoral training across Osnabrück and Bochum universities. This role involved structuring interdisciplinary research projects and supervision frameworks.

Labs and Teams:

Hörzer collaborates within the Institute of Cognitive Science's interdisciplinary ecosystem and is an associated member of Osnabrück's Institute for Philosophy. His past neurophysiological work involved cross-institutional teams, including the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics in Tübingen analyzing macaque monkey working memory data. Current team involvement centers on the "Situated Cognition" research group and Cognitive Science program coordination.