I’m currently pursuing several interdisciplinary research programs in social and political philosophy, PPE, and ethics.

My first main research program analyzes power dynamics and their implications for social and political theory. In “Power Laundering,” I introduce and analyze the eponymous concept of power laundering—the process of making “dirty” or suspect power appear “clean”—and survey its importance for ethics, politics, and the history of political thought. In future work, I hope to introduce the related concept of power mapping; synthesize insights from public choice and elite theory; and much more.

My second main research program explores arguments for and against democracy. Among other things, I offer two novel non-instrumental arguments against democracy. The first—the irresponsible coercion argument—is that democracy is objectionable to the extent that it brings about conditions under which many citizens irresponsibly exercise coercive political power over others, regardless of the consequences of their doing so. The second—the diminished recognition respect argument—is that democracy is objectionable to the extent that it causes citizens to lose what Stephen Darwall calls recognition respect for their fellow citizens.

I also have research interests in health and ethics; cryptocurrency and justice; philosophy of finance; and more.

 

Publications

“Existential Risk and Equal Political Liberty” (with Adam Gibbons)

 

Works in Progress

“Power Laundering” (draft available upon request)
“Public Choice and Elite Theory: Friends or Foes?” (with Alfredo Watkins)
“Is Democracy the Most Stable Political System?” (draft available upon request)
“The Irresponsible Coercion Argument against Democracy” (draft available upon request)
“The Diminished Recognition Respect Argument against Democracy”
“Rawls' Argument from Self-respect” (draft available upon request)
“The Expressive Duty Not to Vote”
“The Duty to Avoid Preventable Bad Health” (draft available upon request)
“Health and the Ethics of Eating Meat” (draft available upon request)
“The Market Capitalization Sleight of Hand” (with David Solomon; draft available upon request)
“Bitcoin, Monetary Policy, and Justice” (with Alfredo Watkins)