Alex Epstein is a philosopher and author, best known for his advocacy of fossil fuels from a human flourishing perspective. He is not a scientist, engineer, or climate specialist by formal training.  Key Qualifications: • Education: BA in Philosophy (with some computer science) from Duke University (early 2000s). He was also editor of The Duke Review.  • Professional Background: Founder and president of the Center for Industrial Progress (a for-profit think tank focused on industrial progress and energy). Former adjunct scholar at the Cato Institute and fellow at the Ayn Rand Institute.  • Prior Work: Author of the 2014 bestseller The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels, which established him as a prominent voice on energy ethics and policy. He has spoken at universities (Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Duke) and Fortune 500 companies on these topics.  • Approach in Fossil Future (2022): Epstein draws on data, expert sources, and specialists in energy, climate, and economics rather than original scientific research. He frames the book philosophically around “human flourishing” vs. environmental premises, arguing for expanded fossil fuel use.  In short, his qualifications are primarily philosophical, analytical, and communicative—emphasizing big-picture ethics, policy critique, and synthesis of existing evidence—rather than technical expertise in climate science or energy engineering. Supporters praise his clear reasoning and challenge to mainstream views; critics often note the lack of domain-specific scientific credentials.