Jacob Barandes conducts research at the intersection of philosophy and physics. His work can be broadly divided into two areas: “physical philosophy,” which explores what our most successful physical theories reveal about traditional philosophical questions, and “philosophical physics,” which applies philosophical methodologies to advance open problems in physics. 

His primary areas of study include the foundations of quantum mechanics, the metaphysics of causation, the philosophy of probability, field theory, general relativity, and formal methods in mathematical physics. Additionally, he has a strong interest in the metaphysics of laws, the philosophy of time, the philosophy of mind, the history of physics, and logic. 

Barandes is the founder and organiser of the Foundations of Physics @Harvard seminar and workshop series, as well as the New England Workshop on the History and Philosophy of Physics, both of which are co-sponsored by the Department of Philosophy. 

He earned his PhD in the Department of Physics at Harvard University, where he currently serves as a Lecturer and Co-Director of Graduate Studies. He is also an Associated Faculty Member with the Department of Philosophy and a Faculty Affiliate with the Harvard Black Hole Initiative. 

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