by Larry Shapiro

LS: Let’s start with a question about your philosophical interests before turning to more interesting stuff. What philosophical problems grab your attention? 

AR: Although most of my work has been in metaphysics and philosophical logic, it is quite easy for a philosophical problem to grab my attention! I guess that it’s not so much the topic of the problem that draws me in, but rather the type of problem it is - the problems which really come to life through the details are the ones I find most interesting. 

LS:Can you give an example of the sort of question on which your research has recently focused?

AR: Yes, sure. 

Part of the famous correspondence between the two early modern philosophers Gottfried Leibniz and Samuel Clarke centered on a question about whether certain scenarios are ‘genuinely possible’ or not. Leibniz argued that the Newtonian theory of space which Clarke defended seemed to imply that the universe could be completely different in a way that would elude detection. Leibniz’s argument drew on what he took to be a consequence of the Newtonian theory: that it is possible that every object in the universe was shifted uniformly along a particular dimension - for instance, a shift ‘five metres East from West’. A theory which implied the possibility of such undetectable differences, Leibniz thought, simply could not be true.

Recently I have been developing a general framework for studying this type of dispute, which uses resources from a rapidly growing area of metaphysics (‘higher-order metaphysics’). What I find interesting about the framework is that it allows one to think about the phenomenon Leibniz and Clarke were discussing very systematically, and that (I think) results in new and fruitful perspectives on the centuries-old question.

LS: You did your graduate work at Oxford University. What are the biggest differences you’ve noticed between Oxford and UW? Is it nice finally to be at an institution of higher learning that recognizes the importance of football?

AR: I’m not sure what the biggest differences are, but one which has made a huge difference to my daily life is no longer being at an institution with a collegiate system. In Oxford, I would see colleagues in my college every day, but this would include very few philosophers. At UW, however, all of the Philosophy Faculty (and graduate students) have offices in the same building. Both systems have their advantages, but it is great to get to spend time around more philosophers!

And, yes, it didn’t take long for me to become a devoted Badgers fan.

LS: Many Americans still bristle over King George III’s treatment of the colonists. Have you experienced any of this resentment? How have Madisonians received you?

AR: Much to my surprise, many of the Madisonians I’ve met have been able to discern that I’m not a descendant of the British monarchy. Perhaps that is why they’ve all been so very welcoming, especially the Faculty here. They’ve spoiled me with bike rides to Paoli, pumpkin carving, homemade pizza, football tutorials, and, of course, extensive advice about winter gear.

LS: Other than now having to drive on the correct side of the road, how else have you had to adapt to life in the world’s greatest superpower? Are there foods you miss from home, or foods you’ve come to love while here? Have you embraced our frigid winter temperatures or is a dreary mist more to your liking? 

AR: I must confess to bringing back a bottle of HP Sauce from my recent trip to England!  

LS: What is this “HP Sauce”?

AR: I think you’ve just earned you and Athena an invitation to breakfast at ours this semester.

LS: Can’t wait!

LS: Favorite way to spend a Saturday afternoon?

AR: I usually spend Saturday afternoons sulking, having watched Manchester United lose in the morning!