معرفی
Matthew J. Barker is an Associate Professor at the Department of Philosophy, Concordia University, with research expertise in the Philosophy of Biology, Philosophy of Science, and Environmental Ethics. His work bridges theoretical and applied concerns, focusing on scientific categorization, value-laden science, and ethical implications of biotechnology.
Education:
- PhD in Philosophy, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2007-2010)
- MA in Philosophy, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2007-2009)
- MA in Philosophy, University of Alberta (2003-2005)
- BA in Philosophy, Lakehead University (1994-1998, 2003)
- BSc in Biology, Lakehead University (1994-1998)
Research Interests include:
- Philosophical analysis of scientific categories (species, well-being, disability)
- Integrating empirical and value-laden considerations in conservation science
- Humility and virtue ethics in agricultural biotechnology
- Bayesian epistemology’s role in legal and scientific reasoning
- History and philosophy of eugenics and its ethical implications
Scientific Contributions reveal trends across evolutionary theory, environmental ethics, and epistemology, emphasizing the interplay between empirical data and normative reasoning. His work advocates for structured argument analysis in conservation biology and revises virtue ethics frameworks for environmental contexts.
Scientific Awards
- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada fellowship 752-2005-1208
Teaching and Supervision spans graduate and undergraduate courses in Philosophy of Biology, Advanced Philosophy of Science, and Environmental Ethics. He has supervised numerous MA and PhD students, including Laura Gallivan, Sean Boivin, and Catalina Peralta, and mentored undergraduates through Concordia University Student Research Awards (CUSRA).
Research Networks include membership in the Centre de Recherche en Éthique (CRÉ) and Loyola Sustainability Research Centre (LSRC), with interdisciplinary collaborations in microbial biology, psychology, and environmental advocacy.
