Michael Huemer

Michael_Huemer

Michael Huemer is an American philosopher and professor of philosophy at the University of Colorado Boulder. He is known for his work in epistemology, ethics, meta-ethics, philosophy of mind, and political philosophy. Huemer has authored several influential books and numerous articles in these areas.

Biography

Michael Huemer was born on December 27, 1969. He earned his B.A. in philosophy from the University of California, Berkeley in 1992 and his Ph.D. in philosophy from Rutgers University in 1998. Since then, he has been a faculty member at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Philosophical Work

Huemer's work spans several key areas of philosophy:

Epistemology

In epistemology, Huemer is known for his defense of phenomenal conservatism, a theory which suggests that if it seems to a person that something is the case, then they have at least prima facie justification for believing it. His book Skepticism and the Veil of Perception (2001) is a significant contribution to this field.

Ethics and Meta-Ethics

Huemer has written extensively on ethical intuitionism, arguing that moral truths are known through direct intuition. His book Ethical Intuitionism (2005) is a comprehensive defense of this view. In meta-ethics, he has engaged with questions about the nature of moral facts and the objectivity of ethics.

Political Philosophy

In political philosophy, Huemer is a critic of political authority and has argued for anarcho-capitalism. His book The Problem of Political Authority (2013) challenges the legitimacy of government authority and advocates for a stateless society based on voluntary cooperation.

Philosophy of Mind

Huemer has also contributed to the philosophy of mind, particularly in discussions about consciousness and perception. He has argued against materialism and for a form of dualism.

Selected Works

• Skepticism and the Veil of Perception (2001)
• Ethical Intuitionism (2005)
• The Problem of Political Authority (2013)
• Approaching Infinity (2016)
• Paradox Lost: Logical Solutions to Ten Puzzles of Philosophy (2018)

Related Pages

• Epistemology
• Ethics
• Meta-ethics
• Philosophy of mind
• Political philosophy
• University of Colorado Boulder
• Anarcho-capitalism
• Phenomenal conservatism
• Ethical intuitionism