I am a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Montana. I am an Agrégée in Philosophy and a former student of the Ecole Normale Supérieure
My research has focused on the philosophy of physics, especially the philosophy of quantum physics, scientific models, dissent, and science and values.
I am currently working on a book on scientific understanding with Armond Duwell. Our book presents a comprehensive and pragmatic account of understanding that unifies all scientific practice. On our view, the great diversity of scientific practices provides understanding because they contribute possible solutions to relevant problems. Unlike other …
I am a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Montana. I am an Agrégée in Philosophy and a former student of the Ecole Normale Supérieure
My research has focused on the philosophy of physics, especially the philosophy of quantum physics, scientific models, dissent, and science and values.
I am currently working on a book on scientific understanding with Armond Duwell. Our book presents a comprehensive and pragmatic account of understanding that unifies all scientific practice. On our view, the great diversity of scientific practices provides understanding because they contribute possible solutions to relevant problems. Unlike other accounts of scientific understanding that focus only on explanatory understanding of phenomena, our analysis covers important varieties of understanding, like understanding how to manipulate phenomena or generate data, and salient targets of understanding, like scientific theories or problems. No other extant account comes close in comprehensiveness and unifying power.
My next project consists in developing a fiduciary view of legitimate value-influence in the sciences. I hope to apply that view to conservation science primarily.
I regularly teach classes in the philosophy of science, the foundations of ecology, modern philosophy, philosophy of animals, and philosophy of law.
I am also the director of the pre-law program at the University of Montana. I get to help and mentor some of the most wonderful human beings I have known doing so.