Daniel F
- Research Program Mentor
PhD at Stanford University
Expertise
Philosophy, Philosophy of AI, Epistemology, Ethics, Social Philosophy
Bio
I am a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Philosophy of AI at Purdue University. In Fall 2026, I'll take up my post at the University of Iowa as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy. I completed my PhD in Philosophy at Stanford University. I wrote my dissertation under the co-supervision of Michael Bratman and Krista Lawlor. My main philosophical work is in epistemology, the philosophies of action and science, as well as social philosophy. You can read more about my work (and me) at my website: danielcfriedman.orgProject ideas
Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.
Norms of Cooperation: Politics and Science
Much of American society holds scientific practice and debate as the gold standard for objective and successful cooperation. By contrast, American political life is considered an abject failure: divisive, polarized, and gridlocked. What explains this discrepancy and is it accurate? Are the motivations of scientists or their subject matter what accounts for their comparative success? Are structural features of scientific practice or its norms responsible for this perceived discrepancy? What can the political sphere learn from scientific practice?
Languages I know
HungarianTeaching experience
I have taught students in both classroom settings and 1-1 at a number of different institutions including Stanford University and Brandeis University. My aim as a teacher is to transmit the excitement and enthusiasm I have for philosophy, to convey the interesting and deep puzzles of the subject while also helping foster the analytical skills necessary to make genuine progress in this field (and many others). I am keenly attentive to the development of skills which, while incredibly useful in philosophical inquiry, are of broader utility: critical thinking, analytic writing, conceptual modeling, and creativity among them.Credentials
Work experience
Purdue University (2025 - Current)
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Philosophy of AIEducation
Johns Hopkins University
BA Bachelor of Arts (2017)
PhilosophyBrandeis University
MA Master of Arts (2019)
PhilosophyStanford University
PhD Doctor of Philosophy (2025)
Epistemology, Philosophy of Action, Social Philosophy, Practical Reason