University of South Alabama
Research
My research is in epistemology, with a focus on the nature and value of understanding. The central question driving my work is how understanding differs from knowledge, and why that difference matters. Understanding has received increasing attention in epistemology over the past two decades, and I think there is still significant work to be done on what it is, whether it can be undermined by epistemic luck, and how it fits within the broader landscape of cognitive achievement.
My doctoral thesis, Ampliative Understanding, was completed at the University of Edinburgh under the supervision of Professor Duncan Pritchard and Dr. Nick Treanor. My current work extends that project in several directions, including the relationship between understanding and justification, and the role of luck in undermining epistemic states.
Area of Specialization: Epistemology
Areas of Competence: Metaphysics, Logic, Ethics
Papers
Under Review
"A Dilemma for the Anti-Reductionist Argument"
In Progress
"Ampliative Understanding"
"What's Luck Got To Do With It?"
Selected Presentations
"What's Luck Got To Do With It?"
Alabama Philosophical Society, Pensacola, FL
"Including Underrepresented Groups in the Classroom"
Conference on Teaching and Learning, University of South Alabama
"Understanding as an Epistemic State"
Early Career Minds Network, University of Glasgow
"Ampliative Understanding — A Work in Progress"
Alabama Philosophical Society, Pensacola, FL
"Lucky Understanding"
Open Minds IX Graduate Conference, University of Manchester
"Does Understanding Have a Distinct Role?"
Roles of Knowledge Workshop, University of Cambridge
"Ampliative Understanding"
X-mas Epistemology Fest, University of Edinburgh