Areas of interest
Ying specializes in metaphysics—both traditional and social—as well as philosophy of science and philosophy of mind. Her research is driven by the question: What makes something a good explanation? She examines how this question plays out in explaining both “mind-independent” phenomena, such as the laws of nature, and “mind-dependent” phenomena, such as social identities. She also maintains broad interests in social epistemology and feminist philosophy. Her current work explores how assumptions about explanatory hierarchies shape debates in metaphysics (and social ontology), philosophy of science, and philosophy of mind.
Academic credentials
B.A., Bard College; Ph.D., Brown University
