John Cottingham

John Cottingham (born 1943) is an English philosopher whose research has primarily focused on early-modern philosophy, particularly the work of René Descartes, as well as the philosophy of religion and moral philosophy. He is currently a Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of Reading and a Professorial Research Fellow at Heythrop College, University of London. He also holds an Honorary Fellowship at St John's College, Oxford, and is a Visiting Professor at King's College London. Cottingham has made significant contributions to the interpretation of Descartes, introducing 'trialism' as an alternative to mind-body dualism and exploring Descartes's views on animals and his moral philosophy. He has also served as editor for the journal *Ratio* and held presidencies in several philosophical societies, including the Aristotelian Society and the British Society for the Philosophy of Religion. His work in moral philosophy critiques a perceived 'psychological impoverishment' in contemporary discourse and emphasizes the importance of self-concern and the psychoanalytic perspective for a good life. In the philosophy of religion, he argues for the significance of moral and spiritual aspects over doctrinal ones.