I am a Philosopher of Biology and Cognitive Science. My research interests range from the evolution of cognition, the relationship between heritable behaviour and learning, Evo-Devo, the behaviour of acellular slime mould, major transitions in individuality, and human-AI interaction.
I am currently a postdoctoral researcher on the project ‘Cognition All the Way Up’ at Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia, and an affiliate at the History and Philosophy of Science Department at the University of Cambridge. I was previously a Research Associate at the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence at the University of Cambridge, where I contributed to the project ‘Major Transitions in Cognitive Evolution’. Whereas much of my previous research focused on learning and memory in non-neuronal organisms, in addition to the role of various ecological factors in influencing cognitive evolution in vertebrates (particularly monitor lizards), my current research has two strands: The first focuses on understanding the evolutionary relationship between biological memory found at various levels of biological organisation (e.g., somatic cell memory, immunological memory, organismal memory, and colony-level memory) and when such memory should be investigated as a cognitive capacity (as opposed to merely a physiological regulatory process). The second strand focuses on developing various bio-inspired conceptual models of human-AI interaction, and how such analogical models might inform AI development, the way we use AI, policy, and governance.
I am also interested in the intersection of practical philosophy and the Philosophy of Biology and the Philosophy of Cognitive Science—namely, how can understanding fundamental aspects of organismal behaviour help frame questions about moral standing? This is something that I plan to research in the future.
When I am not researching, I spend my time with my partner, Ben, hiking, hill walking, and exploring tide pools across the beautiful coastal shores of Scotland.
Matthew Sims 