Vanja Subotić works as a research associate at the University of Belgrade, where she also earned her PhD in Philosophy in 2023. She was a researcher fellow at the University of Turin, Italy, and visiting teaching staff at the University of Rijeka, Croatia. Vanja specializes in philosophy of science, philosophy of mind & cognition, and philosophy of language. She is passionate about science communication and public outreach and believes that everyone in academia has a moral and epistemic responsibility to leave the ivory tower now and then.
Education
PhD Philosophy — University of Belgrade, 2023
MA Philosophy, MSc in Computational Methods in Social Sciences and Humanities — University of Belgrade, 2021, 2018
BA Philosophy — University of Belgrade, 2017
Areas of Expertise
What Is 4E Cognition? The Theory That Will Change the Way You Think of Your Own Mind
4E cognition takes a holistic view of cognition, as shaped by our body and environment, in opposition to the traditional view of the mind as closed off and decompositional.
The Key Ideas of the Mimamsa School of Classical Indian Philosophy
In the constellation of Indian philosophy, Mīmāṃsā is the quiet star that holds the sky together. Focused on the meaning of Hindu rituals, it brought the authority of testimony to the forefront.
The Vedanta School of Philosophy That Sought to Break the Cycle of Birth, Death, and Rebirth
Vedānta transformed the ancient Vedas into a rigorous metaphysical project. Its central debate is centered on non-dualism and theism.
The Yoga School of Philosophy That Sought Liberation From Suffering
Yoga was not primarily about flexibility or relaxation. It was a systematic school of thought, codified by the sage Patañjali, that sought liberation from suffering.
The Oddly Modern Philosophy of Vaisesika, One of Classical Indian Philosophy’s Schools
Step aside, Democritus and particle physicists. Vaiśeṣika, a Classical Indian philosophical system, explained the world in terms of atoms more than two millennia ago.
The Theory That Says Your Beliefs Aren’t Real
The most radical thing you could do in philosophy of mind is claim there are no mental states. Eliminativism provides a means to that end.
What Is Physicalism in the Philosophy of Mind?
History is full of intense rivalries: one example is the debate between dualists and physicalists in the philosophy of mind.
What Is Functionalism in the Philosophy of Mind?
Is the mind a part of your soul or your brain? Either way, you are taking an anthropocentric perspective. That doesn’t sound good, does it?
5 Women in Political Philosophy You Should Know
Aristotle would shudder at women engaging in politics. Yet, these five philosophers are behind some of the most daring ideas in political philosophy today.
5 Women in Artificial Intelligence You Should Know
As we approach the Fifth Industrial Revolution, these female AI researchers are acting as a much-needed voice of morality.
5 Women in Epistemology You Should Know
Women have a long history of contributions to epistemology. Here are some of the most notable names.
What Language Does Your Brain Speak? Ockham’s Mental Language Explained
Surprisingly, William of Ockham’s exploration of the perfect “Adamic language” gave rise to some modern cognitive science ideas.