A University of Waterloo professor who creates computer models of human emotions and consciousness has won the coveted 2013 Killam Prize for humanities
WATERLOO, Ont. (Wednesday, April 3, 2013) - A University of Waterloo professor who creates computer models of human emotions and consciousness has won the coveted 2013 Killam Prize for humanities.
Professor Paul Thagard of the Department of Philosophy is the director of the cognitive science program. His research examines the implications of how feelings influence our decisions.
"Professor Thagard is a pioneer in his field, blending computer science, neuroscience, philosophy and psychology,” said Feridun Hamdullahpur, president & vice-chancellor of Waterloo. “He is a globally recognized leader. The university community appreciates his noteworthy contributions to academic and research excellence and congratulates him on the recognition of his impressive body of work."
The Killam Prize includes an award of $100,000, which Thagard will reinvest in his work.
"Philosophical questions are really important and must be tied into real-world problems," said Thagard. "With any kind of science or social policy, you have to look at the philosophical issues and be concerned with questions of right and wrong. For example, besides establishing facts about climate change, we must examine why we should care and what we ought to do."
Thagard is a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and of the Cognitive Science Society, and won the 2007 Canada Council Molson Prize for Social Sciences and Humanities. He teaches graduate and undergraduate students at Waterloo and is a prolific author.
The Killam Prizes are Canada’s leading prizes for career achievement in the fields of humanities, health sciences, social sciences, engineering and natural sciences. Every year, one winner from each category is recognized for outstanding career achievement. The selection committee includes scholars, researchers and other experts. The Canada Council for the Arts administers the Killam Prizes. The awards ceremony will take place at Rideau Hall later this month.
