Phil Letts
Thesis
A Critique of Platonism and Sonicism in the Ontology of Musical Works
Supervisors
Julian Dodd and David Liggins
Research interests
My research focuses on the ontology of musical works. I pursue questions regarding the sorts of objects musical works are and the properties by which they are individuated. I pay particular critical attention to the claim that musical works are platonic abstracta and the claim that musical works are individuated by how they sound. I am moreover interested in the sorts of methodological considerations which have lead to philosophers endorsing either or both views. The key areas I draw upon for my research are metaphysics, aesthetics, and the philosophy of language.
Teaching experience
I have tutored on informal and formal logic, metaphysics and epistemology, and aesthetics.
Additional information
I have attended several conferences and workshops and have given papers at KCL’s Music and Philosophy Workshop (2010), The University of Manchester’s Open Minds V Conference (2010) and the British Philosophy Postgraduate Association’s Annual Conference (2010).