My first degree was in Biochemistry (Bristol, 1988). A nine-year stint in electronic publishing (Elsevier Science, Oxford University Press) was punctuated by a masters degree in cognitive science/artificial intelligence (Sussex, 1994). From 1999 to 2005 I developed new software systems at the UK House of Commons, before commencing doctoral research in Philosophy of Biology/Science at Exeter University under the supervision of John Dupré. My thesis ("Molecules, Cell and Minds: Aspects of Bioscientific Explanation"), earned me a PhD in 2009. It reflects my concern that philosophical debates about explanation and understanding fail to take adequ…
My first degree was in Biochemistry (Bristol, 1988). A nine-year stint in electronic publishing (Elsevier Science, Oxford University Press) was punctuated by a masters degree in cognitive science/artificial intelligence (Sussex, 1994). From 1999 to 2005 I developed new software systems at the UK House of Commons, before commencing doctoral research in Philosophy of Biology/Science at Exeter University under the supervision of John Dupré. My thesis ("Molecules, Cell and Minds: Aspects of Bioscientific Explanation"), earned me a PhD in 2009. It reflects my concern that philosophical debates about explanation and understanding fail to take adequate account of findings and ideas in cognitive psychology, for example concerning the role of visuospatial thought in science. In addition it aims to address some of the neglect by philosophers of biology of important aspects of molecular and cell biological thought and practice.