b. 1966
Michael Esfeld is a Swiss philosopher of physics and metaphysics, professor at the University of Lausanne, known for his work on the ontological foundations of physics. He has been a central figure in debates over structural realism, Humeanism about laws of nature, and the metaphysics of quantum mechanics. His research bridges analytic metaphysics and philosophy of science, with particular attention to Bohmian mechanics and the nature of physical properties.
Developed 'Super-Humeanism' as a minimalist ontology for fundamental physics
Advanced structural realism as an account of physical ontology
Contributed to the metaphysics of Bohmian (pilot-wave) quantum mechanics
Argued for relational holism as a response to quantum non-locality
Edited and co-authored influential work on the metaphysics of science