Robert T. Pennock

Robert T. Pennock is a Professor at Michigan State University’s Lyman Briggs College, with appointments in the Department of Philosophy and Department of Computer Science & Engineering. His work bridges philosophy of science, evolutionary biology, and computer science, focusing on the origin of intelligent behavior and the cultivation of scientific virtues like curiosity.

• Current Grant: PI of the NSF-funded VERITIES Initiative for virtue-based responsible conduct of research education.
• Recent Book: Explores scientific virtues, linking philosophy of science to the role of the scientist, inspired by Darwin’s ideas.

Research Interests include integrating Aristotelian virtue ethics with Darwinian evolution to analyze the character of scientists, using digital organisms to model the evolution of intelligence, and empirically studying scientists’ attitudes toward ethical and epistemic values.

Scientific Awards:

• University Distinguished Professor, MSU (2019)
• NSF VERITIES Initiative

Speaking Schedule highlights invited talks at events like the International Forum on Research Excellence (2024), SkeptiCal 2024, and the World Conference on Research Integrity (Athens, 2024).