CURRENT RESEARCH GROUP |
Graduate Students
![]() William Bausman, Ph.D. Candidate
My research analyzes the scientific reasoning at work in the ongoing controversy about the neutral theory of community ecology. The neutral theory is defended by proponents as a null model for testing competition theory. I clarify and critique how this functions to shift the burden of disproof onto competition theory. I argue that the controversy should be reconceived in terms of a debate about the relative merits of the competition and neutral research programs. [link to department profile] |
![]() Brian J Hanley, Ph.D. Candidate
My research takes an alternative approach to the problem of causal selection. I look at how scientists and engineers reason about causal situations, how they distinguish among causes, and what principles they use when selecting among causes. I aim to provide a new account of causal selection, and a way to use causal selection to reconceive traditional problems of causation. [link to department profile] |
![]() Niall Roe, M.A. Student
My thesis project involves probing C.S.Pierce’s account of the history of science to inform our understanding of Pierce’s philosophy of science. This project involves delving into the literature on historiography as I am reading and analyzing Peirce's writings on the history of science. I hope to figure out what ideas about philosophy of science are incorporated within Pierce's historical writings. [link to department profile] |
Ken is accepting new Ph.D. and M.A. supervisees at the University of Calgary. Please contact him if you are interested. Information about applying to the University of Calgary Philosophy graduate program can be found on the department page. [link to department site]
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Postdoctoral Fellows
![]() Lauren N. Ross, Eyes High Postdoctoral Fellow
My research concerns explanation and causation particularly in the areas of biology, neuroscience, and medicine. In one set of projects I identify common types of causal complexity in these domains, the challenges they pose for explanation, and how scientists overcome these challenges. In other work I examine various explanatory patterns in these sciences and clarify how they are guided by considerations which are overlooked in the extant literature. [more on Lauren's research] [pdf of cv] ![]() Oliver Lean, From Biological Practice to Scientific Metaphysics Postdoctoral Fellow
My research takes an evolutionary view of human perception, thought and language, and explores its implications for foundational issues in metaphysics and the philosophy of science. In particular, I explore to what extent the Darwinian view of these phenomena necessitates some form of pragmatism about their contents – whether in a limited or a global sense. [more on Oliver's research] |
Ereshefsky Research Group
Dr. Waters works closely with Dr. Marc Ereshefsky and his research group. ![]() Marc Ereshefsky, Professor of Philosophy, University of Calgary; Co-Investigator, From Biological Practice to Scientific Metaphysics [personal site]
Adrian Currie, Eyes High Postdoctoral Fellow, 2014-2016 [personal site] Alison McConwell, Ph.D. Candidate, University of Calgary [link to department profile] Sinan Sencan, Ph.D. Student, University of Calgary [link to department profile] |