معرفی
Tim Lewens is Professor of Philosophy of Science and Head of the Department of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Cambridge, currently on leave for the 2024/25 academic year. His career bridges philosophy, biology, and bioethics with significant institutional roles including Deputy Director of CRASSH (2014-2017) and Council Member of the Nuffield Council on Bioethics (2009-2015).
His research focuses on philosophy of biology, evolutionary theory, and bioethics, with particular expertise in human nature debates, extended evolutionary synthesis, and medical ethics. Key contributions include critical analyses of mitochondrial replacement therapy ethics, genome editing implications, and conceptual challenges in cultural evolution. His work consistently addresses interdisciplinary tensions between biological determinism and social constructivism.
Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals dominant themes in evolutionary philosophy (40%), bioethics (35%), and conceptual foundations of science (25%). Notable trends include re-examining Paleyan design arguments in modern biology, ethical frameworks for emerging biotechnologies, and interdisciplinary approaches to human nature that challenge essentialist perspectives.
Lewens has secured major research funding including an ERC grant for 'A Science of Human Nature?' (2011-2016) and Templeton Foundation funding for 'Putting the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis to the Test' (2016-2019). His policy impact is evident through contributions to Nuffield Council reports on mitochondrial DNA disorders (2012) and human body donation (2011), demonstrating applied philosophical engagement with contemporary medical ethics.
