Stathis Psillos, born in Athens in 1965, ranks among the most cited living philosophers currently engaging with scientific realism, metaphysics, and the philosophy of science. His research focuses on the validity of theoretical assertions, challenging anti-realist interpretations of scientific history while advocating for a naturalistic investigation of scientific inquiry through extensive scholarly publications and academic appointments across multiple global institutions.
Academic Formation and Early Research
Psillos initially studied physics at the University of Patras in Greece. He later pursued graduate work in London, obtaining an MSc in the History and Philosophy of Science from King's College London. Under the supervision of David Papineau, he completed a PhD in 1994, with a thesis titled Science and Realism: A Naturalistic Investigation into Scientific Enquiry, examined by John Worrall and William Newton-Smith. His early career included editorial roles at the British Journal for the Philosophy of Science and research positions linked to the London School of Economics.
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Since joining the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in 1999, Psillos has maintained a significant international academic presence. He held positions at the University of Western Ontario, including the Rotman Canada Research Chair, and served as a visiting professor at the University of Otago, the University of Iceland, and the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. Additionally, he contributed to the University of Cologne and the University of Helsinki. In 2007, he became the founding president of the European Philosophy of Science Association and was later elected to the Academia Europaea.
Metaphysical Contributions and Published Works
Psillos has authored or edited eight books and over 120 papers, addressing topics such as causation, explanation, and structuralism. His notable works include Scientific Realism: How Science Tracks Truth and Causation and Explanation, the latter of which received a prize from the British Society for the Philosophy of Science. He also co-edited The Routledge Companion to the Philosophy of Science with Martin Curd. His work consistently defends the semantic realism of scientific theories and supports the descriptive-causal theory of reference attributed to David Lewis.
Fast facts
- Born: 1965, Athens, Greece
- Citizenship: Greece
- Field: Philosophy of Science, Metaphysics
- PhD: 1994, King's College London
- Selected Employer: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
- Member: Academia Europaea
- Languages: English, Modern Greek
Questions readers ask
What is the primary focus of Stathis Psillos's philosophical work?
He specializes in scientific realism, metaphysics of science, causation, and the historical development of scientific theory.
Where has Psillos held academic positions?
He has held posts at the University of Athens, University of Western Ontario, University of Otago, University of Cologne, University of Helsinki, and the University of Iceland.
Achievements
- Held posts at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, University of Western Ontario and University of Otago
- Fields: philosophy of science, metaphysics and scientific realism
