Dr. Potter is working on a book that considers whether Kant's theory of experience and mind has been defeated, or merely supplanted, and if supplanted, whether the new alternative models of mind and experience would benefit from insights borne by his critical project. He is also beginning research into noncomputational theories of cognition.
keywords
theory of knowledge, cognition, history of early modern philosophy, logic, philosophy of language, philosophy of art, skepticism
Teaching
courses taught
PHIL 1000 - Introduction to Philosophy
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019
Discusses fundamental questions concerning human existence and the nature of reality. Questions may include: Does God exist? Am I the same person I was when I was born? Will I survive the death of my body? Do I have free will? How do I know whether the world around me really exists? What is knowledge? What is truth? What is morality, and how do I know what�s right to do?
PHIL 1100 - Ethics
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021
Introduces students to moral philosophy by having them study and evaluate prominent moral theories and their application to a selection of real-world moral problems. Theories studied may include utilitarianism, rights theory, virtue ethics, social contract theory, divine command theory, cultural relativism, and natural law theory. Social problems covered may include abortion, world poverty, animal rights, reparations for slavery, gun rights, or similar such controversies.
PHIL 2710 - Philosophy and Film
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2022 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
Introduces students to issues in philosophy through film, including consideration of film itself as an artistic medium. Students will watch films and wrestle with the philosophical problems they present. Topics will vary according to film selection and may include: the distinction (if any) between high and low art; aspects of film production that support or create aesthetic value; and how (if at all) film can and should be used to foment socio-political change.
PHIL 3010 - History of Modern Philosophy
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Summer 2019 / Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Summer 2020 / Fall 2020 / Summer 2021 / Fall 2021 / Summer 2022 / Spring 2023 / Summer 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024 / Summer 2024
Introduces modern philosophy, focusing on the period from Descartes through Kant. In addition to careful analysis of philosophical arguments, attention is paid to the ways in which philosophers responded to and participated in major developments in the 17th and 18th century, such as the scientific revolution. Recommended prerequisite: 6 hours of philosophy coursework.
PHIL 3480 - Critical Thinking/Writing in Philosophy
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Focuses upon the fundamental skills, methods, concepts and distinctions that are essential for the study of philosophy. Basic skills covered include the writing of philosophy papers, the reading of articles and the extraction and evaluation of arguments. Recommended prerequisites: 6 hours of philosophy course work.
PHIL 4010 - Single Philosopher
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2024
Discusses the work of a single historical figure in philosophy with the aim of reaching a broad and deep understanding of the philosopher's thought. May be repeated up to 12 total credit hours. Recommended prerequisite: 12 hours philosophy course work. Same as PHIL 5010.
PHIL 4950 - Honors Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2024
May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Recommended prerequisite: 12 hours philosophy course work.
