Ruth Porter Groff

Ruth Porter Groff is a Professor of Political Science at Saint Louis University’s College of Arts and Sciences, with an affiliation in Philosophy. She specializes in metaphysics, particularly causal powers, and engages with historical figures in philosophy and meta-philosophical questions. Her work bridges social/political theory, metaphysics, and critical theory.

Education:

• Ph.D., York University (Canada)
• M.A., University of Toronto
• B.A., Swarthmore College

Research Interests:

Groff’s research focuses on metaphysical frameworks for understanding causal powers and dispositions, the history of philosophy (especially Aristotelian and Marxist traditions), and meta-philosophical debates. She critiques Humean approaches to causality and advocates for a 'new Aristotelianism' in metaphysics.

Professional Affiliations:

• Coordinator and founding member of the Critical Social Ontology Workshop (CSOW)
• Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Aristotelian Studies and Critical Theory
• Member of the Dynamis: Finnish Network for Metaphysics

Advising & Grants:

No specific advisees or grants are listed in the provided materials.

Publications:

Groff has authored books including Ontology Revisited: Metaphysics in Social and Political Philosophy (2012) and Critical Realism, Post-Positivism and the Possibility of Knowledge (2004). She has edited volumes on causality, critical realism, and Aristotelianism. Her articles explore causal mechanisms, free will, and the intersection of metaphysics with social/political theory.