Andrew Y. Lee

Assistant Professor of Philosophy

University of Toronto

profiles PhilPeople

cv Curriculum Vitae

phd New York University, Philosophy 2013–19 +

David Chalmers (chair), Ned Block, Thomas Nagel

undergrad Brown University, Philosophy (AB, AM) & Cognitive Science (ScB) 2008–13

postdocs

Rice University 2019–20

University of Oslo 2020–22

Australian National University 2022–23

I work on
philosophical questions
about consciousness
and structure.

My core research project investigates the structure of consciousness. I'm interested in applying structural concepts such as degrees, dimensionality, continuity, parthood, and state-spaces to the study of consciousness.

My work combines analytic metaphysics, formal tools, and consciousness science to develop an “objective phenomenology.”

I also work on the ethics of consciousness, mathematical metaphysics, and representational systems. My philosophical interests cover a wide range of topics across mind, metaphysics, value, language, science, and mathematics.

recognition

awards Marc Sanders Prize in Philosophy of Mind Marc Sanders Prize in Metaphysics SSHRC Insight Grant$105k cad

venues The Philosophical Review·Noûs·Philosophy & Phenomenological Research·Philosophers' Imprint·Philosophical Studies·Australasian Journal of Philosophy·Philosophical Perspectives·Journal of the American Philosophical Association·Oxford Studies in Metaphysics·Analytic Philosophy·Journal of Consciousness Studies

research projects

For an overview of my research, see my Research Statement.

For a complete inventory of my work, see articles and works in progress.

The Structure of Consciousness

Does consciousness come in degrees? Is consciousness multidimensional? Do conscious experiences have parts? Are conscious experiences continuous or discrete? What are the atoms of consciousness? What kinds of mathematical structures best model conscious experiences?

selected papers

Modeling Mental Qualities Degrees of Consciousness Consciousness & Continuity

The Ethics of Consciousness

In what ways is consciousness ethically significant? How does consciousness relate to welfare and morality? Can some ethical facts be explained by phenomenal facts?

selected papers

Consciousness Makes Things Matter Metaethical Experientialism

Mathematical Metaphysics

What are the relations between dimensions and parts? How do quantities relate to locations? Which metaphysical relations can be illuminated through mathematical concepts?

selected papers

A Puzzle about Sums Dimensions as Quotients

Representational Systems

What is the difference between analog vs. symbolic representation? What is the representational format of perceptual experiences? How does perception differ from introspection?

selected papers

The Structure of Analog Representation