Jonathan M. Kaplan is a contemporary philosopher of biology at Oregon State University whose work critically examines the foundations of evolutionary theory, behavioral genetics, and the philosophy of medicine. He is known for challenging naive adaptationist reasoning and for scrutinizing what genetic association studies can and cannot establish about complex traits and conditions. His research bridges philosophy of science, philosophy of biology, and bioethics.
Critically analyzed the limits of adaptationist explanation in evolutionary biology
Examined the epistemological scope and limits of genetic association studies for understanding disease and behavior
Argued for reconsidering the cognitive and theoretical status of natural selection as an explanatory framework
Co-authored influential work on race, genetics, and the misuse of biological categories
Contributed to debates on gene-environment interaction and the complexity of trait causation