Simon Reginald Barker

Simon Reginald Barker is a Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Tartu's Institute of Philosophy and Semiotics within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. He has held visiting and adjunct roles at institutions including the University of Sheffield, Tallinn University, and the University of Iceland. His academic background includes a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Sheffield (2020), supervised by Miranda Fricker and others, focusing on disagreement and self-trust, and a PhD in Classics from Royal Holloway, University of London (2008), examining Stoic and Epicurean ethics.

His research interests span epistemology, ethics, metaphysics, and the intersection of mental health with philosophical inquiry. Notable work includes exploring epistemic self-trust in contexts of bipolar disorder and analyzing epistemic norms in deep disagreement scenarios. He has contributed to journals like Synthese and Episteme, and his interdisciplinary work includes studies on cultural practices like breakdancing.

Barker's academic trajectory reflects a commitment to bridging theoretical philosophy with applied ethical and social questions. His recent publications highlight the epistemic dimensions of mental health crises in academia and the philosophical implications of conspiracy theories.