Research Snapshots

Can you describe an area of your current research? What is the main idea or argument?

I'm working on descriptive metaphysics, a methodology for ontology first proposed by Peter Strawson in 1959. This approach, set in opposition to revisionary metaphysics, is a deflationary take on metaphysics that aims to map the fundamental conceptual structure through which we experience reality, rather than trying to replace it with a “better” structure. 

What drew you to this particular topic?

I was drawn to this topic because it sits between overly deflationary approaches to philosophy and others that, I believe, take themselves too seriously. Descriptive metaphysics tackles ontological questions rigourously without pretending to uncover the universe's mysteries or yet again proposing the kinds of absurdities often found in metaphysics. 

What new perspective or idea are you hoping to bring to philosophy with your work?

What I hope to bring back to philosophy is Strawson's plain but powerful insight that "Only serious questions are supposed to be taken seriously."
 

April 2025