My research focuses on the history of philosophy generally and of political philosophy more specifically. My work has largely focused on the emergence of Socratic political philosophy out of Pre-Socratic and Pre-Philosophic figures, and how that emergence shaped the role of reason in initial conceptions of scientific or philosophic life, that is, the life devoted to the pursuit of knowledge. I have also written on modern philosophy and film.
keywords
plato, socrates, aristotle, history of political philosophy, philosophy of film
ENES 1010 - Engineering, Ethics and Society
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Summer 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Summer 2022 / Fall 2022
Explores a wide variety of challenging and interesting humanistic themes (love, responsibility, ambition, etc.) in many forms (fiction, philosophy, plays, poetry, art, music, etc.). In small discussion-based classes, emphasizes the writing, public speaking and critical thinking skills needed to excel as a professional engineer. Fulfills College of Engineering writing requirement for first-year freshmen only. Formerly HUEN 1010.
ENES 3100 - Seminar in Engineering, Ethics & Society
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2022
Introduces students to foundational texts in personal ethics (from philosophy, literature, history, and the arts). Class discussion puts these texts into context for students preparing to enter careers in engineering and applied science.'Includes extensive writing. Fulfills the College of Engineering & Applied Science writing requirement.'Department prerequisite: a minimum GPA of 3.0. Formerly HUEN 3100.
PHIL 3000 - History of Ancient Philosophy
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2022
Surveys developments in metaphysics, ethics, logic, and philosophy of mind from the Pre-Socratics through Hellenistic philosophy, focusing primarily on the arguments of the philosophers. Topics may include: Zeno's paradoxes of time and motion; Democritean atomism; Plato on knowledge, reality, ethics, and politics; Aristotle on logic and natural philosophy; Epicurus on pleasure and friendship; Epicurean atomism; the Stoics on materialism, determinism, and vagueness; and the coherence and practicality of global skepticism. Recommended prerequisite: 6 hours of philosophy coursework.
