Judith Carlisle’s research interests primarily revolve around the intersection of philosophy of science and philosophy of psychiatry, with a special emphasis on trauma and PTSD. In her work, she explores fundamental questions about the nature of traumatizing events and their impact on individuals and communities. She is interested, for example, in asking: What kind of events can be traumatizing? Can seemingly “mundane” events cause trauma? Can entire communities, cities, or nations be traumatized? If so, what are the similarities and differences between collective and individual trauma?

Ultimately, through her work, she aims to deepen our understanding of trauma’s complex dynamics and its implications for both philosophical inquiry and real-world contexts.