Marion Godman

Aarhus University, Political Science, Faculty Member

Copenhagen University, Institut for Medier og Erkendelse, Visiting Researcher

University of Cambridge, History and Philosophy of Science, Affiliate

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I'm an Associate Professor at Aarhus University and a research affiliate at the History & Philosophy of Science at Cambridge University.
The academic site where I do most updates is here: http://mariongodman.wordpress.com/

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Papers by Marion Godman

Essential Properties Are Super-Explanatory: Taming Metaphysical Modality

Journal of the American Philosophical Association, 2020

This article aims to build a bridge between two areas of philosophical research: the structure of... more This article aims to build a bridge between two areas of philosophical research: the structure of kinds and metaphysical modality. Our central thesis is that kinds typically involve super-explanatory properties, and that these properties are therefore metaphysically essential to natural kinds. Philosophers of science who work on kinds tend to emphasize their complexity, and are generally resistant to any suggestion that they have essences. The complexities are real enough, but they should not be allowed to obscure the way that kinds are typically unified by certain core properties. We show how this unifying role offers a natural account of why certain properties are metaphysically essential to kinds.

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The Social Motivation Hypothesis for Prosocial Behavior

Philosophy of the Social Sciences, 2014

Existing economic models of prosociality have been rather silent in terms of proximate psychologi... more Existing economic models of prosociality have been rather silent in terms of proximate psychological mechanisms. We nevertheless identify the psychologically most informed accounts and offer a critical discussion of their hypotheses for the proximate psychological explanations. Based on convergent evidence from several fields of research, we argue that there nevertheless is a more plausible alternative proximate account available: the social motivation hypothesis. The hypothesis represents a more basic explanation of the appeal of prosocial behavior, which is in terms of anticipated social rewards. We also argue in favor of our own social motivation hypothesis over Robert Sugden’s fellow-feeling account (due originally to Adam Smith). We suggest that social motivation not only stands as a proximate account in its own right but also provides a plausible scaffold for other more sophisticated motivations (e.g., fellow-feelings). We conclude by discussing some possible implications of t...

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The Epistemology and Morality of Human Kinds

Natural kinds is a widely used and pivotal concept in philosophy-the idea being that the classifi... more Natural kinds is a widely used and pivotal concept in philosophy-the idea being that the classifications and taxonomies employed by science correspond to the real kinds in nature. Natural kinds are often opposed to the idea of kinds in the human and social sciences, which are typically seen as social constructions, characterised by changing norms and resisting scientific reduction. Yet human beings are also a subject of scientific study. Does this mean humans fall into corresponding kinds of their own? In The Epistemology and Morality of Human Kinds Marion Godman defends the idea of human kinds. She first examines the scientific use and nature of human kinds, considering the arguments of key philosophers whose work bears upon human kinds, such as Ian Hacking, John Searle, Richard Boyd and Ruth Millikan. Using the examples of gender, ethnic minorities and Buddhism she then argues that human kinds are a result of ongoing historical reproduction, chiefly due to pre-existing cultural models and social learning. Her novel argument shifts the focus away from the reductionism characteristic of research about human kinds. Instead, she argues that they are "multiply projectable" and deserving of scientific study not in spite of, but because of their role in explaining our identity, injustice and the emergence of group rights.

format_quoteCategorization of human kinds is ambivalent; it shapes identity yet risks exclusion and stereotyping.format_quote

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Scientific realism with historical essences: the case of species

Synthese, Dec 17, 2018

Natural kinds, real kinds, or, following J.S. Mill simply, Kinds, are thought to be an important ... more Natural kinds, real kinds, or, following J.S. Mill simply, Kinds, are thought to be an important asset for scientific realists in the non-fundamental (or "special") sciences. Essential natures are less in vogue. I show that the realist would do well to couple her Kinds with essential natures in order to strengthen their epistemic and ontological credentials. I argue that these essential natures need not however be intrinsic to the Kind's members; they may be historical. I concentrate on assessing the merits of historical essential natures in a paradigm case of Kinds in the non-fundamental sciences: species. I specify two basic jobs for essential natures: (1) offering individuation criteria, and (2) providing a causal explanation of the Kind's multiple projectable properties. I argue that at least in the case of species historical essences are fit for both tasks. The principled resistance to Kinds with historical essences should also be cleared. Keywords Scientific realism • Historical essences • Species • Natural kinds • Path dependency • Essentialism Before the Origin, scientists had sought the intrinsic purpose and meaning of taxonomic order. Darwin replied that the ordering reflects historical pathways pure and simple

format_quoteHistorical essences, while relational, are critiqued for potential epistemic limitations in species classification.format_quote

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Alzheimer's disease and relationships of value Forthcoming in THINK: Philosophy for Everyone, Cambridge University Press

THINK: Philosophy for everyone, CUP

In this essay, I consider my relationship with my father who developed Alzheimer's disease and cr... more In this essay, I consider my relationship with my father who developed Alzheimer's disease and criticize dominant models of social interactions and relationships. I argue that the point of a relationship is not what we exchange or achieve within it. The point is not even the dependency on others for our vital needs. The point is simply that a relationship is valuable in and of itself.

format_quoteThe author acknowledges there is no cure for Alzheimer's, emphasizing the heartbreaking reality of terminal conditions.format_quote

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Möjliga Träskindividers Omöjliga Medlemskap

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The Special Science dilemma and How Culture Solves it

Australasian Journal of Philosophy

format_quoteSelection-based predicates for pain are projectable due to common selection pressures, not necessarily shared physical realizations, challenging traditional views.format_quote

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