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My work lies at the intersection of Philosophy of Science and Social Philosophy. It tries to reconcile traditional analytic philosophy with decolonial and feminist approaches. This work is multifaceted, drawing on literature from diverse disciplines, traditions, and contexts. Thematically, my primary interest is in social classifications, taxonomic practices, and their influence on people.
Another body of my research focuses on the self, and it is more closely connected to Social Ontology. It analyzes the agency and subjective experience of individuals living under non-ideal conditions or across different social contexts.
Dissertation
We rarely pause to consider the significance of classifications, yet they are indispensable in our cognitive, scientific, and social lives. Classifications are not only fundamental scientific tools for representing, organizing, and explaining natural and social phenomena; they also play a vital role in our social lives. Our status as women, students, or citizens influences societal expectations and helps develop a sense of identity. However, classifications also carry dangers. By influencing social perception, treatment, access to opportunities, and even our sense of identity and self-worth, they can be used to rank, exclude, and oppress.
My dissertation analyzes the ontological and social dimensions of taxonomic pluralism. I argue that some social classifications can be incompatible yet legitimate, advancing a view that is both pluralist and realist. Chapter 1 argues that some conflicting classifications may not be explained by epistemic error but by metaphysical indeterminacy, opening the door to taxonomic pluralism. Chapter 2 accepts a natural kind realism, but argues that human kinds are individuated with the help of non-epistemic values and interests. Chapter 3 uses the system of castas in New Spain as a model to show how epistemic aspects of classifications, along with social pressures, can result in oppressive taxonomic practices. Chapter 4 discusses gender as an instance of taxonomic pluralism and explores the normative dilemma that follows from the underdetermination of classifications.
Publications and Work in Progress
Published
Nakaya-Perez, I. (2022). Parallel Debates: A Methodological Proposal. Resistances. Journal of the Philosophy of History, 3(6), e21096. https://doi.org/10.46652/resistances.v3i6.96
Under review
With Qiannan Li. “Flourishing without a Unified Sense of Self.” Submitted to Utilitas.
In progress
"A Self Where All Selves Fit." An ontological pluralist view about the self.
"Ser Violento: Violence and the Constitution of the Self." A paper on the ontological influence of oppression.
"Fundamental Anger: Addressing Affective Injustice." A paper on anger's non-instrumental value.
Talks
2024
“A Self Where All Selves Fit”, American Association for Mexican Philosophers (AAMP) 13th Annual Conference, UC Davis, California, USA.
“The Ontology of Ourselves”, Latinx Philosophy Conference, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York, USA.
"Ser Violento: Violence and the Constitution of the Self", Invited Symposium: Violence/Violencia (Bilingual Session), APA Pacific Meeting.
2023
"A Self Where all Selves Fit" [in Spanish], Social Categories: a New Map of Latin America's Social Ontology at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Colombia.
“Reconsidering Taxonomies: A Decolonial View of Scientific Classification”, 17th International Congress on Logic, Methodology and Philosophy of Science and Technology in Buenos Aires.
“Reconsidering Taxonomies: A Decolonial View of Scientific Classification”, International Society for the History Philosophy and Social Studies of Biology biennial meeting at the University of Toronto.
“Does Autonomy Shame Exist?”, Annual Conference of Long Island Philosophical Society [LIPS] at Saint John's University.
2021
“Technology and Science: The Case of Psychiatry” [In Spanish], XX International Congress of the Mexican Philosophical Association.
“Moral Responsibility in non-ideal agents” [In Spanish], Affiliate Students Seminar at UNAM’s Institute for Philosophy Research.
2020
“What is a Hybrid Kind? The Case of Mental Illness” [In Spanish], Affiliate Students Seminar at UNAM’s Institute for Philosophy Research.
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