Victor Kumar, PhD

I'm a philosopher interested in morality, culture, and politics — and in using science to answer philosophical questions. 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 and the Center for the Philosophy and History of Science. 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 (under review) arguing that reducing your meat consumption is humanity's best bet to end factory farming. These days, I find myself thinking a lot about political tribalism and AI.

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