Daniel Ross (philosopher)
Daniel Ross is a contemporary philosopher specializing in philosophy of mind, philosophy of neuroscience, and related issues in cognitive science and economics. He is currently Professor of Philosophy at the University of Cape Town, and holds research affiliations with institutions in South Africa and abroad.
Ross's work often addresses the implications of neuroscientific findings for our understanding of rationality, decision-making, and the nature of the self. He is known for his critique of traditional economic models of rationality, arguing that they often fail to adequately account for the complexities of human cognition and motivation as revealed by neuroscience and experimental psychology.
His philosophical perspective is often described as naturalistic and pragmatist, emphasizing the importance of empirical evidence in informing philosophical inquiry. He advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration between philosophers, neuroscientists, economists, and other cognitive scientists.
Significant publications include:
- Economic Theory and Cognitive Science: Microexplanation (MIT Press, 2005) - Argues for a neuroscientific basis for microeconomic theory.
- Everyday Economics (Oxford University Press, 2011) - An accessible introduction to behavioral economics.
- Philosophy of Neuroeconomics (co-edited with Don Ross and Harold Kincaid, Oxford University Press, 2008) - A collection of essays exploring the philosophical foundations of neuroeconomics.
- Scientific Metaphysics (co-authored with James Ladyman and David Spurrett, Oxford University Press, 2007) - A defense of structural realism.
Ross's work has contributed significantly to the development of neuroeconomics and the philosophy of cognitive science, prompting ongoing debate and discussion about the relationship between neuroscience, economics, and philosophy.