Andrea Sebastiano Staiti is an Associate Professor at the Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Enterprises (Università di Parma). His research spans phenomenology , neo-Kantianism , and metaethics , with a focus on theories of the person and normative ethics . Academic Leadership : Editor-in-chief and co-founder of the Journal of Transcendental Philosophy International Experience : Taught and directed doctoral programs at Boston College (USA), and held fellowships at the Husserl Archives in Cologne Research Themes : Phenomenological analysis of perception and moral cognition Neo-Kantian foundations of transcendental philosophy Interdisciplinary approaches to ethics combining philosophy and cognitive science Metaethical debates on moral realism and tolerance Scientific Recognition : Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Fellowship Editorial Leadership : Editor-in-chief of the Journal of Transcendental Philosophy Recent Publications : 2025: Personal Character: From Naturalism to Phenomenology 2024: Hegel and Husserl on Perception 2023: The Cognitive Foundations of Morality
Francesco Guala is a Professor of Political Economy in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Milan. His work bridges philosophy of economics, experimental economics, and social ontology, focusing on institutional theory and the methodology of social science. He leads the PHILAB research center and has been awarded a €2 million grant from the Italian Ministry of University and Research for his project on 'The Normative Roots of Social Kinds'. Education: Advanced training in philosophy and economics, with a focus on interdisciplinary research Research interests include the nature of social institutions, coordination problems in economic interactions, and the role of experimental methods in understanding social phenomena. His publications explore topics such as social ontology, institutional functions, and the philosophical foundations of behavioral economics. Key contributions include Understanding Institutions: The Science and Philosophy of Living Together and The Methodology of Experimental Economics . He collaborates with economists and philosophers internationally, emphasizing applied philosophy to address real-world challenges in social science.
Chiara Begliomini is an Associate Professor at the Department of General Psychology, University of Padova. Her research focuses on neural mechanisms underlying action planning and execution, particularly using functional MRI (fMRI) to investigate motor control, handedness effects, and cerebellar contributions to cognition. She explores cognitive and motor functions across the lifespan, with a special emphasis on aging populations and neurological disorders. Her work integrates neuroimaging techniques such as VBM and DTI to study brain structure-function relationships. Key research topics include cerebellar laterality, the impact of cognitive reserve on neurodegeneration, and the neuropsychological consequences of post-COVID-19 infection. She also investigates behavioral and neural correlates of binge eating, impulse control, and sensorimotor integration in grasping movements. Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, combining fMRI with kinematic analyses and neuromodulation techniques. Her studies often address clinical populations, such as individuals with mild cognitive impairment, anorexia nervosa, and cerebellar hypoplasia. Her research portfolio reveals a strong focus on translational neuroscience, bridging basic science and clinical applications. Ongoing work explores cerebellar-cortical interactions, the role of handedness in motor networks, and the neurobiological basis of agency and intentionality.
Fabrizio Amerini is an Associate Professor of History of Medieval Philosophy at the Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries (D.U.S.I.C.) of the University of Parma, Italy. He holds a National Scientific Qualification (ASN) for Full Professor of History of Medieval Philosophy (2017-2023). His academic career spans institutions including the Scuola Normale Superiore of Pisa, University of Florence, and international universities in Denmark, Canada, and Italy. Education : PhD in History of Medieval Philosophy from Scuola Normale Superiore of Pisa (2003), Post-Doc Fellowships in Medieval Philosophy and Logic. Research Focus : Medieval Logic, Metaphysics, Theories of Intentionality, Philosophical Anthropology, and the Reception of Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas. Awarded the ANVUR 2017 Finanziamento delle attività base di ricerca, Amerini has organized conferences and served on doctoral committees. His editorial roles include membership in the Scientific Boards of Noctua , PhiloHumanistica , and Memorie Domenicane . He has published over 100 works, including monographs and critical editions. Key Publication Trends : His recent articles and book chapters focus on mental representation, intentionality, and debates around universals, integrating medieval logic with metaphysical and theological questions. Themes include the mind/body problem, hylomorphism, and the influence of Dominican thinkers. Scientific Awards : ANVUR 2017 - Finanziamento delle attività base di ricerca National Scientific Qualification (ASN) for Full Professor (2017-2023) Advisory Roles : Advisor for PhD and thesis students including Salvatore Cirami, Gioacchino Curiello, and Francesco di Giacomo.
Francesca Maria De Vecchi is Full Professor of Theoretical Philosophy at the Faculty of Philosophy, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan. She teaches courses such as Social Ontology, Gender Studies, Philosophy of the Person, and Phenomenology of the Person and Empathy across philosophy and medicine programs. She serves as President of the Master's Degree Program in Philosophy of the Contemporary World (since 2024), Director of the PERSONA Research Centre, and Co-Editor-in-Chief of the journal Phenomenology and Mind . She previously directed the Interfaculty Centre for Gender Studies (2016–2022) and chairs the university’s Equal Opportunities Committee (CUG). Ph.D. in Philosophy, University of Geneva Diplôme d’Études Approfondies, University of Geneva Laurea in Philosophy (with honors), University of Milan Her research centers on social ontology , phenomenology of the person , and gender identity , with a strong phenomenological foundation influenced by Husserl, Edith Stein, and Adolf Reinach. She investigates the interplay between personal identity, social structures, empathy, and normativity, emphasizing qualitative and lived aspects of social reality. Her work bridges philosophy with neuroscience and psychiatry, particularly in understanding personhood and social being. The 15 most recent publications reflect a sustained focus on qualitative social ontology , collective intentionality , and empathy . They explore the eidetic structures of social acts, the personhood of social entities, and the phenomenological distinctions in empathetic experience. Her writings appear in top journals and are published by Springer, Routledge, and Il Mulino. Fellow, International Social Ontology Society (2013–) Fellow, Normactivity Research Network (2022–) Member, SWIP Italia (2018–) Member, Network for Phenomenological Research (2018–) Advisory Board, FICTA – Feminist Philosophies, Bodies and Technologies (2025–) She has supervised doctoral students through the university’s Ph.D. program in Philosophy and has been actively involved in editorial work, scientific committees, and international conferences. As Director of PERSONA and former Director of GENDER, she leads significant research initiatives. She also serves on the Scientific Board of the Interuniversity Research Center in Gender Cultures and participates in public engagement through interviews, seminars, and public lectures on gender, identity, and philosophy. She leads the PERSONA Research Centre in Phenomenology and Sciences of the Person and was previously Director of the GENDER Interfaculty Centre for Gender Studies . She also coordinates the Gender Lunch Seminars and contributes to public philosophy through initiatives like Le arti per il CUG and media interviews on gender and health.
Massimo Donà is a Full Professor of Theoretical Philosophy at the Faculty of Philosophy, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University in Milan. He holds the PHIL-01/A disciplinary sector and teaches courses such as Metaphysics and Ontology of Contemporary Arts at both undergraduate and graduate levels. He has been a central figure in Italian philosophical discourse, particularly in aesthetics and ontology. Full Professor, Faculty of Philosophy, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan Former Tenured Professor of Aesthetics, Academy of Fine Arts, Venice Co-founder of the journal Paradosso Editor of Andrea Emo's posthumous works Scientific Director of the Diaporein Research Center Donà's research focuses on theoretical philosophy, with deep engagement in ontology, aesthetics, and the philosophy of music. His work explores the metaphysical dimensions of art, literature, and perception. He has published extensively on figures such as Emanuele Severino, Lucio Battisti, Hegel, and Italo Calvino, often bridging philosophical rigor with cultural commentary. His recent publications (2017–2025) reveal a consistent thematic focus on the intersection of art and metaphysics. Keywords across his works include ontology, aesthetics, phenomenology, and cultural interpretation. Subfields such as the philosophy of photography, music, literature, and the limits of thought demonstrate a broad yet coherent intellectual trajectory centered on the nature of being and artistic revelation. His scientific recognition includes the Premio Capalbio (2014), awarded by an international committee chaired by G. Marramao. This honor reflects his impact on contemporary philosophical and cultural debate. Donà has advised numerous PhD students in the Philosophy Doctoral Program at San Raffaele University from 2015 to 2024. He has also been active in public engagement, organizing philosophical events in schools and communities, and leading the scientific outreach platform Diaporein. He has not received mention of specific research grants in the provided text. He is the scientific director of the Centro di Ricerca di Metafisica e di Filosofia delle arti DIAPOREIN , which promotes interdisciplinary research on metaphysics and the philosophy of art. The center manages a dedicated website and organizes public events, lectures, and publications.
Massimo Pilati is a Full Professor at the Department of Economics "Marco Biagi" at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. He teaches courses on Project Management and Organization for the Business Management and Consulting Master's degree program, and Organizational Behavior and People Management for the Labor Relations Master's degree program. His academic focus centers on organizational studies and business organization within the ECON-08/A Scientific-Disciplinary Sector. Professor Pilati's research spans multiple areas of organizational behavior and management. His work particularly focuses on decision-making processes, project management, human resource management, and organizational change. His publications reveal a strong interest in workplace well-being initiatives, diversity management, and the impact of global migration on workforce composition. He has developed a particular expertise in understanding the alignment between organizational initiatives and employee perceptions, as well as the role of soft skills in managerial effectiveness. Analysis of his recent publications shows a consistent research trajectory examining organizational behavior from multiple angles. His work increasingly addresses contemporary challenges such as pandemic management (Covid Manager identity), workforce diversity in specific sectors like contract catering, and the complex relationship between monetary and non-monetary rewards on employee outcomes. His research methodology often employs comparative case studies across different organizational contexts to identify patterns in employer-employee relationships and strategic intentionality. Professor Pilati has authored multiple textbooks, including "Comportamento Organizzativo" (Organizational Behavior) and "Problem Solving and Decision Making," which serve as foundational texts for his courses. His publications demonstrate a commitment to bridging theoretical frameworks with practical applications for managers operating in evolving organizational contexts. His teaching approach emphasizes active, student-centered learning through case discussions, small-group work, and practical exercises. For working students, he offers weekend availability via video call, demonstrating his commitment to accessibility. His courses focus on developing both hard and soft skills necessary for effective project management and organizational leadership, with particular attention to self-organized teams and change management processes.
Francesca Boccuni is a Professor at the Faculty of Philosophy, Università Vita Salute San Raffaele, with additional contractual teaching roles at Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI). Her research focuses on the Foundations of Mathematics , Classical and Non-Classical Logics , and the Metaphysics of Abstract Objects , alongside work in Philosophy of Language and Ontology . Current affiliations: USI (Professore a Contratto), UNISR (Università Vita Salute San Raffaele) Major grants: PRIN 2023 (Italian Ministry of Research), British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship (2008) Research Trends : Her publications (2020–2024) emphasize plural logic , neo-logicism , and Fregean foundations , with recent work extending to qualitative social ontology and eidetic phenomenology . Scientific Awards : British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship (2008), PRIN Grant (2023) Editorial roles: Argumenta, Bulletin of Symbolic Logic, Logique et Analyse Academic Leadership : Co-founder of the Italian Network for Philosophy of Mathematics (FilMat, since 2012); served on program committees for international philosophy of mathematics conferences.
Elizabeth Sacks is a Researcher in the scientific disciplinary sector M-FIL/05 at the Faculty of Philosophy of Vita-Salute San Raffaele University in Milan. She holds a PhD in Philosophy of Language from the University of Bologna and conducted research as a visiting student at the University of Oxford (Corpus Christi College). Previously, she held a 4-year research grant at the University of Padua's Department of Philosophy and served as a contract professor at multiple Italian universities. She is a member of the scientific committee of San Raffaele's Research Center in Phenomenology and Human Sciences. Education: Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy, University of Bologna PhD in Philosophy of Language (Thesis: Singular Thoughts ) Research Interests: Focuses on theoretical issues in Philosophy of Language, Philosophy of Mind, and Ontology of Thought. Her work examines intentionality, mental representation, consciousness, and the interplay between linguistic and mental levels. She critiques psychologism and explores phenomenal intentionality within cognitive frameworks. Teaching: Theories of Language and Thought (Undergraduate) Themes and Problems of Contemporary Philosophy (Undergraduate) Philosophy of Language: Mind, Language and Ontology (Master's) Grants & Committees: Member of SIFA (Italian Society of Analytical Philosophy) Executive Board (2004–2008) Organized doctoral programs in Philosophy at San Raffaele and collaborated with IUSS Pavia on Cognitive Neuroscience and Philosophy of Mind programs Organized summer schools like Chi sono? Corpo e identità personale (2022) and San Raffaele School of Philosophy 2020 Labs & Collaborations: Active in San Raffaele's Research Center in Phenomenology and Human Sciences, contributing to interdisciplinary dialogues between philosophy and cognitive sciences.
Wolfgang Andreas Huemer is an Associate Professor at the Department of Humanistic, Social, and Cultural Industries, University of Parma. His academic career spans institutions in Canada, Austria, Germany, and Italy, with research expertise in philosophy of mind, language, literature, and aesthetics. He has held visiting positions at universities across Europe and North America and received prestigious fellowships from DAAD, DFG, and Austrian Ministry of Research. Education: PhD in Philosophy (University of Toronto, 2000) Mag.phil in Philosophy and German Literature (University of Salzburg, 1994) His research bridges analytic and continental traditions, focusing on perception, fiction-reality distinctions, and the philosophy of Ludwig Wittgenstein/Wilfrid Sellars. He has organized major conferences on moral emotions, epistemic seeing, and social practices. Publications include works on imagination, philosophical methodology, and cross-cultural dialogues in aesthetics. Recent articles explore thought experiments, fictional truth, and the cognitive value of art. He has refereed for top journals like Erkenntnis and Philosophical Quarterly , and co-edits the Phenomenology and Mind book series. Funding includes DAAD, DFG, and European Research Council support. Awards: DAAD Fellow (2006) University of Toronto Doctoral Fellowship (1997–1999) Austrian Ministry of Research Fellowships (1994–1997) Contact: Via D'Azeglio 85/a, Parma (Italy); wolfgang.huemer@unipr.it .
Dr. Anna Borghi investigates how concepts are grounded in sensory-motor and social experiences through the lens of embodied cognition. Her Words As social Tools (WAT) theory proposes that abstract concepts rely more heavily on linguistic and social experiences than concrete concepts. Central research themes: Neural and behavioral foundations of abstract concepts Role of language and inner speech in conceptual processing Social dimensions of conceptual representation Cross-cultural differences in concept formation Development of abstract thought in children Recent work employs multimodal methodologies including thermal imaging, motion tracking, and computational modeling. Publications demonstrate growing interest in real-world applications such as autism interventions and AI communication systems. Current projects examine conceptual processing during the COVID-19 pandemic and politeness strategies in human-chatbot interactions.
Corrado Sinigaglia is Professor of Philosophy of Science at the State University of Milan. He leads the CIA Lab and is affiliated with virtual ABCLabs 6.0. His research bridges philosophy, neuroscience, and social cognition, with a focus on mirror neuron mechanisms, embodied cognition, and interpersonal coordination. His publications explore neurocognitive foundations of social interaction, including EEG/TMS studies on joint action, emotion mirroring, and intentionality. Recent work investigates computational models of collective goals and clinical applications in schizophrenia.
Philip Pettit is the L.S. Rockefeller University Professor of Human Values at Princeton University and Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the Australian National University. His academic career includes roles as a lecturer at University College Dublin, research fellow at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, and professor at the University of Bradford. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, member of the Royal Irish Academy, and a Corresponding Fellow of the British Academy. His research spans ethical and political theory, collective agency, and the philosophy of mind. Notable works include Republicanism (1997), On the People's Terms (2012), and The Birth of Ethics (2018). His 2020 Rotelli Lectures at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University explored 'How Language Powers the Mind,' arguing that language shapes core mental capacities like decision-making, rule-based reasoning, and self-constitution. Pettit has delivered prestigious lectures such as the Tanner Lectures (2015) and John Locke Lectures (2019). His contributions bridge philosophy with social sciences, emphasizing collective agency and republican democracy.
Francesca De Vecchi Maria is a Professor of Theoretical Philosophy at the Faculty of Philosophy , Vita-Salute San Raffaele University. She serves as President of the Master's Degree Program in Philosophy of the Contemporary World (2024–) and leads the PERSONA Research Center (2020–) and Phenomenology and Mind journal (2020–). Her academic leadership spans roles like President of the CUG Committee (2019–) and former Director of GENDER Center (2016–2022). Her research focuses on Phenomenological Social Ontology , exploring the qualitative lifeworld, social acts as dynamic wholes, and empathy’s role in personal/social identity. Publications include the book Society in Person (2022) and articles in Contributions to Phenomenology , Critical Review of International Social and Political Philosophy , and Topoi . Scientific Contributions include 15+ peer-reviewed works (2024–2011) on topics like proxy speech acts, social normativity, and environmental crisis through phenomenological lenses. Awards highlight her editorial leadership, network-building, and contributions to feminist philosophy via SWIP Italia and FilMat. Public Engagement features interviews in Io Donna (2025) on gender medicine, co-organization of Gender Lunch Seminars (2023–2024), and participation in events like Le arti per il CUG (2023–2024), merging philosophy with cultural institutions (Teatro Piccolo, Hangar Bicocca).
Riccardo Fedriga is an Associate Professor of History of Reading, Publishing, and Medieval Philosophy at the University of Bologna, within the Faculty of Humanities and Department of the Arts. He specializes in the history of ideas, particularly focusing on conceptual schemas and historical semantics, contrasting idealistic approaches. His research bridges medieval philosophy with modern epistemology, addressing topics like intentional objects, future contingents, and the social ontology of reading. Education: PhD equivalent in History of Philosophy (1991) with thesis on the roots of intentionality. Visiting studies at University of Copenhagen (1992) and École Pratique des Hautes Études (Paris, 1993–1994). Roles & Leadership: Deputy-headmaster of the Master in Publishing and Multimedia (2000–2013). Erasmus coordinator for Bologna-Agder University exchange programs. Member of editorial boards for journals like Philosophia and Rivista di Storia della Filosofia . Research Interests include: - Medieval and modern epistemology - Ontology of historical sources and digital documentation - Publishing history and sociology of reading - Modal realism and indeterministic free will debates Grants & Projects: National Research Group leader (2004–2009) on Late Ancient/Medieval philosophy traditions. Contributor to La grande storia della civiltà europea , directed by Umberto Eco. Teaching & Outreach: Professor at universities including Bocconi, Siena, and Trieste (SISSA). Organized international conferences like Reading Anselm (2013) and Giornate della Filosofia . Labs/Teams: Active in interdisciplinary projects at the Department of the Arts, focusing on digital humanities and publishing studies.
