Prof. P.J.J.M. Bakker (Paul)

Prof. Paul Bakker is particularly interested in themes from the philosophy of mind: the relation between body and soul, the theories on knowledge and perception, and freedom of will. His other field of interest is the development of psychology as a separate scientific discipline from philosophy.
Bakker studies published and unpublished commentaries on Aristotle's On the Soul (De anima). The institutional context in which these commentaries emerged and the relations between philosophical and theological motives constitute major elements in his work. The main focus is on thinkers such as Thomas of Aquino, John Buridan, and Pietro Pomponazzi.

Bakker is leader of the VIDI project 'Form of the Body or Ghost in the Machine? The Study of Soul, Mind and Body (1250¿1700)' and member of the board of the Société Internationale pour l'Etude de la Philosophie Médiévale.