University of Virginia · Department of Philosophy
Cognitive Science is the interdisciplinary study of the mind. Over a half century ago, humanists and scientists established this field together, believing we cannot uncover the mysteries of the human mind from within disciplinary silos. Yet the field is retreating back to those silos at a historical moment that demands interdisciplinary research — as humanists and scientists grapple with the impacts of technologies such as AI and social media on human minds and societies.
The HooCS Lab is a five-year initiative incubating UVA's existing strengths to establish us as a leader in the interdisciplinary study of the mind. We vertically integrate humanistic and philosophical inquiry — from contemplative traditions to analytic philosophy — into the core of cognitive science. Our research unfolds across two related problematics: spontaneous thought in an anxious world, and human agency and autonomy in the age of AI.
Core Team
Photos coming soon as additional faculty join the lab.