Alfredo Watkins
Duke University

The focus of my doctoral research was in metaphysics and the philosophy of mathematics. I am especially interested in the "Aristotelian revival" that has been taking place in some quarters of analytic philosophy. In my dissertation, I draw on contemporary work in neo-Aristotelian metaphysics to argue for a form of mathematical structuralism that combines belief in Aristotelian universals with an essence-based account of mathematical truth. I believe this combination of views can elegantly account for the epistemology of mathematics while easily explaining the necessity of mathematics and its applicability in natural science.
 
You can read a general overview of my dissertation in the first chapter, here. The dissertation can be found here.

My more recent work in political philosophy focuses on the application of ancient political thought about empire and cosmopolitanism to current debates surrounding international relations, globalization and foreign affairs. My current project involves a reevaluation of Greek and especially Roman arguments for empire as a way of thinking normatively about the geopolitical project of hegemony.

I am also interested in medieval philosophy and PPE. I regularly teach courses on these subjects, and I have given PPE talks on epistocracy and late-scholastic political thought, among other topics. You can find handouts for some of my talks below.