education
During an undergrad degree in philosophy
at Simon Fraser University I became
captivated by various theoretical
issues in biology. This eventually led
me to Binghamton University, for
an MSc. under the supervision of
evolutionary biologist D.S. Wilson. Then
on to Duke University where I completed
a PhD. in 2005 under philosopher Alex
Rosenberg. From 2006-7 I was a
postdoctoral fellow at the University of
Queensland working with philosopher Paul
Griffiths.
interests
I get excited when the biological world
can be understood in light of
ecological and evolutionary theories.
Much of my work involves extending these
theories into new domains. For example,
explaining human emotions in terms of
cultural evolution, or extending ecology
into the realm of molecular genetics.
The thing I like most about being a
philosopher of biology is that it
enables me to work on such diverse
systems and problems. Philosophy, in my
view, is continuous with science. It
investigates the questions that science
cannot, or does not yet know how to
resolve.
I have a longstanding interst in octopus
behaviour. During my MSc. I conducted a
research project on den choice in the
Giant Pacific Octopus (O. dofleini).
I am currently studying socially
directed behaviour in the Sydney Octopus
(O. tetricus).
More recently I have become interested
in the ways that environmental issues
are understood and debated. This has
arisen largely out of my visits to
Clayoquot Sound. You can read more about
this in the Philosophy Field Course Blog or listen to
a radio interview.
I have also co-authored a book
and written several articles on the
related topic of
biodiversity conservation.
I am one of the founding directors of
the Ucluelet
Aquarium Society, located on the
West Coast of Vancouver Island. This is
a unique institution that exhibits only
local species which are all eventually
released back into the wild. There's a
strong emphasis on science education.
I live in Toronto but spend a lot of
time at my cottage in South Frontenac. I
have two amazing daughters: Marita
(2012) and Katarina (2015). They live
with me half of the time and are major
priorities in my life.
professional
I work at the University of Guelph in
the Department
of Philosophy. Much of my research
is in conjunction with an excellent group
of scientists. I consider our work quite
innovative, deeply philosophical, and
broadly relevant. It
speaks highly of the research culture at
this institution that we are able to
carry on a productive, interdisciplinary
collaboration.
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Treehouse completed in 2020
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