Zachary C. Irving

Zachary C. Irving is an Associate Professor in the Corcoran Department of Philosophy at the University of Virginia, specializing in the philosophy of cognitive science with a focus on mind-wandering and attention dynamics. His research bridges philosophy, neuroscience, and psychology through an action-theoretic model of unguided attention.

• NEH Fellowship (2024)
• Templeton Grant recipient for machine learning classifiers in VR

His work has generated three research programs: (1) theoretical foundations for mind-wandering, (2) empirical methods for measuring passive cognition, and (3) normative analyses of attention in digital societies. His interdisciplinary methods span cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and experimental philosophy, often collaborating with scientists in other fields. Recent publications in PNAS, NeuroImage, and Trends in Cognitive Sciences highlight his contributions to understanding neural signatures of spontaneous thought and the philosophical implications of self-report methodology.

• Defended the Thinking Grid framework for mind-wandering measurement
• Developed EEG-based classifiers for real-time thought dynamics
• Coined “Two Channel” model of character-based responsibility judgments

Irving advocates for task-free psychology while addressing its methodological challenges, particularly the reliability of introspection in studying passive mental states like dreaming or digital distraction. His upcoming The Spontaneity Deficit book explores ethical implications of attention norms in technology-driven environments.