New Books Network Mapping Out Food and Philosophy
May 1, 2026
Andrea Borghini, associate professor of philosophy and director of Culinary Mind at the University of Milan, studies the philosophy of food and food systems. The conversation covers why food deserves serious philosophical attention. They explore transdisciplinary methods, the rise of food in culture, the design of a special issue with short essays, and the field’s future directions.
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Philosophy Of Food Needs Meta Coordination
- Philosophy of food needs meta-level coordination because many scholars worked separately and missed cross-disciplinary dialogue.
- Andrea Borghini created Culinary Mind to connect those scholars and foster shared, more incisive conversations across fields.
The Field Expanded Beyond Animal Ethics
- Early food philosophy focused on animal ethics, agricultural ethics, and later aesthetics, leaving gaps in topics like food justice and epistemic injustice.
- Borghini highlights new emphases on metaphysics, philosophy of science, nutrition, and justice in recent decades.
Transdisciplinary Methods Are Essential
- Transdisciplinary philosophy is essential: philosophers must dialogue with social scientists, historians, and scientists to address complex food questions.
- Borghini argues methods like conceptual and phenomenological analysis complement empirical work in collaborative teams.