Victor Kumar, PhD

I'm interested in using science to answer philosophical questions about morality, culture, and politics. I've written for the New York Times, Boston Globe, and Aeon. I also write a Substack blog/newsletter called Open Questions.

I'm an associate professor in Philosophy at Boston University, where I'm also director of the Mind and Morality Lab. In 2024/25, I was a fellow-in-residence at the Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Ethics at Harvard.

My book with Richmond Campbell — A Better Ape (OUP) — is about human evolution and moral progress. I've also written about moral luck, moral disgust, and moral judgment. Josh May and I wrote a book (forthcoming with University of Chicago Press) arguing that reducing your meat consumption is humanity's best bet to end factory farming. These days, I find myself thinking a lot about AI and political tribalism.

For more check out my CV.  Email me (or not) at victor.c.kumar@gmail.com