PhD, UC San Diego
About
Research
Research Interests
Dr. Magnus' areas of research include philosophy of science, the philosophy of art and music, the epistemology of technology (Wikipedia and AI), and pragmatism.
His work in the philosophy of science, motivated by a falliblist but non-sceptical conception of scientific knowledge, has addressed topics like the underdetermination of theory by data, natural kinds, and values in science.
Publications
Representative Publications
A Philosophy of Cover Songs. Open Book Publishers. 2022.
Scientific Enquiry and Natural Kinds: From Planets to Mallards. Palgrave Macmillan. 2012.
Popular music and art-interpretive injustice (with Emmie Malone). Inquiry. 2024.
William James on risk, efficacy, and evidentialism. Episteme. 2022.
Why novel prediction matters (with Heather Douglas). Studies in History and Philosophy of Science. 2013.
On trusting Wikipedia. Episteme. 2009.
Instruction & Advising
Courses
Dr. Magnus regularly teaches courses in philosophy of science, logic, epistemology, pragmatism and philosophy of art.