Rate Professor Daniel Little

Professional Summary: Professor Daniel Little

Professor Daniel Little is a distinguished academic affiliated with the University of Melbourne, recognized for his contributions to philosophy, social theory, and the philosophy of social science. With a career spanning several decades, he has made significant impacts through his interdisciplinary research and extensive publications.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Little holds advanced degrees in philosophy and has built a robust academic foundation that informs his research and teaching. Specific details of his degrees and institutions are based on publicly available records:

• Ph.D. in Philosophy, Harvard University
• B.A. in Philosophy and Mathematics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Little’s research primarily focuses on the philosophy of social science, social theory, and the study of social causation and explanation. His work often bridges analytical philosophy with historical and sociological inquiry, exploring topics such as:

• Philosophy of history and historiography
• Social mechanisms and causal explanations in social sciences
• Marxist theory and historical materialism
• Asian studies, with a focus on China’s social and economic history

Career History and Appointments

Professor Little has held numerous academic positions at prestigious institutions, reflecting his expertise and leadership in the field. Key appointments include:

• Professor of Philosophy, University of Melbourne (current)
• Chancellor and Professor of Philosophy, University of Michigan-Dearborn (previous role)
• Various teaching and research positions at institutions such as Colgate University and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

While specific awards and honors for Professor Little are less extensively documented in public sources, his leadership roles and academic contributions suggest recognition within his field. Verified honors include:

• Appointment as Chancellor at University of Michigan-Dearborn, reflecting institutional trust and academic distinction

Key Publications

Professor Little is a prolific author with numerous books and articles that have shaped discourse in philosophy and social theory. Some of his notable works include:

• The Scientific Marx (1986)
• Varieties of Social Explanation: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Social Science (1991)
• Microfoundations, Method, and Causation: On the Philosophy of the Social Sciences (1998)
• New Contributions to the Philosophy of History (2010)
• New Directions in the Philosophy of Social Science (2016)

He also maintains an active blog, Understanding Society, where he discusses topics related to social theory, philosophy, and historical analysis, contributing to public academic discourse.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Little’s work has had a profound influence on the philosophy of social science, particularly through his exploration of social causation and microfoundations. His publications are widely cited in discussions of methodology in social sciences, and his interdisciplinary approach has fostered dialogue between philosophy, sociology, and history. His focus on China’s social history has also contributed to comparative studies in global historical contexts.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Little is known for engaging with broader academic and public audiences through various platforms. Notable contributions include:

• Regular posts and essays on his blog, Understanding Society, which serves as a public resource for philosophical and social analysis
• Participation in academic conferences and lectures on philosophy of social science and historical theory (specific events based on public records)
• Editorial and advisory roles in academic publishing, though specific details are limited in public sources