I work on the logic, metaphysics and epistemology of value. Of late I have been mostly interested in cognitive value—the value of truth, of truthlikeness, of accuracy and of probability. I am also interested in aesthetic value and the nature of art.
keywords
metaphysics, value theory, ethics, philosophical logic
HUMN 3092 - Studies in Humanities
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2020
Students should check with the department for specific semester offerings. May be repeated up to 12 total credit hours, provided the specific offerings vary.
PHIL 1000 - Introduction to Philosophy
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Fall 2018
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 2440 - Symbolic Logic
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020 / Spring 2021
Introduces students to sentential logic, the logic of quantification and some of the basic concepts and results of metalogic (interpretations, validity and soundness).
PHIL 3700 - Aesthetic Theory
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2020
Introduces major theories of aesthetics and contemporary discussions of problems, such as the nature of art and the problem of evaluations in art. Recommended prerequisite: 6 hours of philosophy coursework.
PHIL 4040 - Studies in 20th Century Philosophy
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022
Studies two or three major philosophies prominent during the last century. Recommended prerequisite: 12 hours philosophy course work.
PHIL 4470 - Probability and Rational Choice
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Fall 2019
Examines issues in four related areas: probability theory (e.g. the interpretation of probability, the raven paradox, and the principle of indifference), decision theory (e.g., the Newcomb problem, the toxin puzzle, and Pascal's wager), game theory (e.g., Prisoner's dilemma, tragedy of the commons, and Schelling points), and social choice theory (e.g., Arrow's theorem). Familiarity with symbolic logic is strongly recommended. Recommended prerequisite: PHIL 2440 and 12 hours philosophy course work. Same as PHIL 5470.
PHIL 4800 - Open Topics in Philosophy
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020
See current departmental announcements for specific content. May be repeated up to 12 total credit hours. Recommended prerequisite: 12 hours philosophy course work.
PHIL 4950 - Honors Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018
May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Recommended prerequisite: 12 hours philosophy course work.
PHIL 5020 - Topics in the History of Philosophy
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022
Examines a specific philosophical problem over an extended historical period. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours.
PHIL 5800 - Open Topics in Philosophy
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020
Variety of new courses at the 5000 level. See current departmental announcements for specific content. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.
PHIL 5810 - Special Topics in Philosophy
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018
Instructor meets regularly with three or more students to discuss special topics in philosophy. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours.
