Maxime Daniel Barbier

Please tell us about your research project.
I am a PhD candidate in philosophy and cognitive sciences, respectively at the University of Milan and at the Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes in Paris. My research project focuses on the meaning of odors, from an empirically informed perspective that helps explain the relation between the material characteristics of odors and the mental representations they elicit in those who perceive them. Basing a theory of the meaning of odors on contemporary sciences of perception and cognition constitutes a new method compared with the culturalist approach to representations attached to particular smells.

Could you please tell us a bit more about your scholarship/exchange programme?
My stay at the MFO was made possible by an agreement between the MFO and the EPHE, for the duration of the Trinity term. Here, I take part in the work of the Laboratory of experimental psychology in Crossmodal Research. I'm also able to discuss regularly the conceptual framing of the phenomena I'm studying with researchers from the Faculty of Philosophy.

First impressions of Oxford/the University?
With its numerous and enchanting libraries, Oxford is definitely one of the best places in the world to work for a bookworm such as myself. I feel lucky that the MFO has paved a direct access to Oxford's academic life, normally reserved for University students and staff. The abundance of scientific and cultural events across town is probably what stands out most for me.