Stacie Friend

Stacie Friend is a Reader in Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh, part of the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences. She joined Edinburgh in 2023, previously teaching at Birkbeck, University of London (2014–2023). Her research focuses on the intersection of aesthetics, language, and mind, particularly in relation to engagement with fiction. She holds a PhD from Stanford University (2002) and has held roles including Editor of Analysis and President of the British Society of Aesthetics (2018–2024). Friend has directed interdisciplinary projects such as 'Art Opening Minds' (Templeton Religion Trust, 2022–2023) and contributed to studies on fiction's cognitive and moral effects. Her work explores fictional worlds, emotional responses to narratives, and the distinction between fiction and non-fiction.