The argument that society functions without state coercion serves as a central pillar in the work of Michael Huemer, an American philosopher teaching at the University of Colorado Boulder. Born in 1969, he has dedicated his career to exploring analytical frameworks across epistemology, metaethics, and political theory, consistently challenging established academic orthodoxies through his prolific writing and public debates.
Academic Foundation
Huemer completed his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, in 1992. He continued his academic training at Rutgers University, where he earned a Ph.D. in 1998. His doctoral research was conducted under the supervision of Peter D. Klein. Following his graduation, he joined the faculty at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he continues to teach today.
Political and Ethical Philosophy
In his 2013 book, The Problem of Political Authority, Huemer contends that prevailing arguments for the necessity of the state are flawed, advocating instead for a position of philosophical anarchism. His 2005 work, Ethical Intuitionism, remains a significant contribution to metaethics. He also explores animal ethics, authoring the 2019 book Dialogues on Ethical Vegetarianism, which received praise from Peter Singer. He maintains a commitment to ostroveganism, a plant-based diet supplemented by bivalves, arguing that organisms lacking brains are not capable of feeling pain.
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Huemer defends phenomenal conservatism, an epistemological framework suggesting that it is rational to accept appearances as reality unless presented with specific reasons for doubt. Beyond this, his work spans substance dualism and the existence of immaterial souls. In his 2021 paper, "Existence Is Evidence of Immortality," he discusses the concept of reincarnation. He has also engaged in public discourse regarding the problem of evil, arguing that the existence of suffering serves as evidence against the presence of an omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent deity.
Selected Bibliography
Huemer has published extensively throughout his career. Notable titles include Skepticism and the Veil of Perception (2001), Approaching Infinity (2016), Paradox Lost (2018), Justice Before the Law (2021), and Progressive Myths (2024). He has also participated in published debates, including Is Political Authority an Illusion?: A Debate with Daniel Layman (2022) and Can We Know Anything?: A Debate with Bryan Frances (2023).
Fast facts
- Born: 1969
- Citizenship: United States
- Education: University of California, Berkeley (1992); Rutgers University (1998)
- Occupation: University teacher; philosopher
- Employer: University of Colorado Boulder
- Notable Work: The Problem of Political Authority
- Spouse: Iskra Fileva
Questions readers ask
What is Huemer's position on eating animals?
He advocates for ostroveganism, arguing that it is ethical to consume bivalves like oysters and scallops because they lack brains and cannot experience pain.
Does Michael Huemer believe in the state?
No, he is a philosophical anarchist who argues that modern justifications for state authority fail and that society can function without government coercion.
What is phenomenal conservatism?
It is an epistemological position he defends, stating that it is reasonable to assume that things are as they appear unless one has specific reasons to doubt that perception.
Achievements
- Notable work: The Problem of Political Authority
- Notable work: Ethical Intuitionism
- Held posts at University of Colorado Boulder
- Fields: political philosophy, ethics and metaethics
