Laura Sizer

Laura Sizer, associate professor of philosophy, received a B.A. in philosophy from Boston University in 1990, and a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2000.

She specializes in the philosophy of mind and philosophy of psychology/cognitive science.

Her research currently focuses on affect (emotions and moods), but she is also interested in questions about consciousness, representation, music, and personal identity.

She has published in The British Journal for the Philosophy of Science, Philosophical Psychology, and Mind and Language.

In addition to her primary research and teaching interests, Professor Sizer teaches topics in applied ethics; the philosophy of language; philosophy of biology; and the relationship between science and religion.

Professor Sizer is on the steering committee for the Culture, Brain, and Development Program at Hampshire College.

Recent and Upcoming Courses

Introduction to Philosophy
Philosophy is a method of inquiry that helps us reflect on our own condition, our relationships with each other and the world around us through the careful investigation of concepts such as mind, freedom, morality, and justice. It is also a mode of analysis and criticism that allows us to examine the structure and soundness of our ideas and arguments. This class will introduce you to some of the classic questions in philosophy, as well as the methods of inquiry philosophers use to examine them. Topics may include arguments for the existence of god, the nature of knowledge, the problem of free will, and the nature of mind. A series of shorter and longer papers will be required.
Philosophy and Science of Emotions
This course is an interdisciplinary investigation of emotions rooted in an analytical philosophical approach. The aim of the course is to understand how different academic disciplines approach the study of emotions, and how these perspectives can inform each other. Are emotions primarily bodily responses? Thoughts? What roles do cultures play in shaping our emotions? What functions do emotions serve? Do babies have the same emotions as adults? What can neuroscience tell us about emotions? To answer these questions we need to look beyond our personal experiences and examine evidence and arguments offered by philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, anthropology and evolutionary theory. Students will read and critically analyze material from a variety of different disciplines, and will write several short and longer papers.