معرفی
Professor Matthew Tugby serves as Professor of Philosophy, Deputy Director of the Philosophy MA, and Director of the Philosophy Graduate Diploma at Durham University. A leading scholar in metaphysics of science, he investigates properties, dispositions, and laws through Platonic realism, arguing properties form metaphysical foundations for causation and teleology.
His academic journey includes:
- BA in Philosophy (First Class Honours) from University of York
- MA in Philosophy from University of York
- PhD from University of Nottingham (AHRC Metaphysics of Science Project)
Tugby's research establishes properties as fundamental explanatory entities across scientific domains. His influential monograph Putting Properties First: A Platonic Metaphysics for Natural Modality (2022) demonstrates how properties resolve issues in modality and laws, while his 2024 Teleology book reinterprets goal-directedness through dispositional metaphysics. He champions scientific realism via property-based abduction and develops modal Platonism against nominalist challenges.
His publication trajectory reveals sustained focus on property ontology, with recent work intensifying on teleology and modal grounding. Over 30 publications since 2010 show consistent engagement with dispositions, laws, and essentialism, increasingly integrating Platonism with scientific practice.
Key recognition includes:
- Mind Association Research Fellowship supporting his monograph research
Tugby has supervised 10 PhD completions across identity, laws, mental causation, and teleology topics. Current supervisees Gaurav Kudtarkar and Rodrigo Ballon Villanueva continue his research lineage. His AHRC-funded doctoral work and Mind Association fellowship demonstrate sustained research support. Administrative leadership in MA and Diploma programs shapes Durham's philosophy curriculum.
Though not lab-affiliated, Tugby actively collaborates through international metaphysics networks and contributes to Durham's research culture via editorial roles and conference organization.
