In my research I explore the intersections of philosophy, biology, evolution, culture, art, and aesthetics, using empirical and computational methods to address conceptual and theoretical problems with data-driven solutions.
My Ph.D. research focused on how art and aesthetic behaviours evolved, utilizing cross-cultural, and phylogenetic methodologies to examine art’s role in human cooperation, and group cohesion. I have also pursued work in the philosophy of biology to explore questions of genomics, “junk” DNA, transposable elements, and epigenetics through novel empirical approaches to existing literature. This work has led to peer-reviewed publications in Biological Theory, Theoretical Medicine and Bioethics, and Synthese.
As a practicing artist I use my knowledge and skills in the art world to inspire my research as well as temper it. I enjoy exploring philosophical concepts through photography and exploring art and aesthetics through philosophy. I am also deeply driven by the desire to teach and to learn, processes which I believe go hand in hand.
Publications
Linquist, S., Fullerton, B. & Grewal, A. Epigenetic this, epigenetic that: comparing two digital humanities methods for analyzing a slippery scientific term. Synthese 202, 68 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11229-023-04265-5
Fullerton, B. Does Art Bring Us Together? An Empirical Approach to the Evolutionary Aesthetics of Ellen Dissanayake. Biol Theory 15, 188–195 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13752-020-00357-4
Linquist, S., Fullerton, B. Transposon dynamics and the epigenetic switch hypothesis. Theor Med Bioeth 42, 137–154 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11017-021-09548-x