I’m currently pursuing several interdisciplinary research programs in social and political philosophy, PPE, and ethics. My first main research program analyzes power dynamics and their implications for social and political theory. In “Power Laundering,” I introduce and analyze the eponymous concept of power laundering—the process of making “dirty” or suspect power appear “clean”—and survey its importance for ethics, politics, and the history of political thought. In future work, I hope to introduce the related concept of power mapping; synthesize insights from public choice and elite theory; and much more. My second main research program explores arguments for and against democracy. Among other things, I offer two novel non-instrumental arguments against democracy. The first—the irresponsible coercion argument—is that democracy is objectionable to the extent that it brings about conditions under which many citizens irresponsibly exercise coercive political power over others, regardless of the consequences of their doing so. The second—the diminished recognition respect argument—is that democracy is objectionable to the extent that it causes citizens to lose what Stephen Darwall calls recognition respect for their fellow citizens. I also have research interests in health and ethics; cryptocurrency and justice; philosophy of finance; and more.
CWCV 2010 - Topics in Western Civilization
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2024 / Spring 2025
Offers in-depth consideration of one or more foundational traditions in Western civilization.
PHIL 1010 - Introduction to Western Philosophy: Ancient
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2025
Introduces major philosophical ideas originating in ancient Greece, including the concepts of eudaimonia (happiness), sophia (knowledge), philosophia, psych� (soul), aret� (virtue), er�s (love), and democracy, placing these in historical context and relating them to subsequent philosophical developments. Topics may include the nature of happiness; why philosophy and democracy flourished in ancient Greece; the ancient Greek origins of science; whether being a virtuous person makes you happier; and ancient Greek thinking about life, love, and death. Same as CLAS 1030.
PHIL 1100 - Ethics
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2025
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 1160 - Introduction to Medical Ethics
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2025 / Spring 2026
Introduces students to moral dilemmas in medical practice, biomedical research, and health policy, placing them in the context of comprehensive ethical theories and core principles of bioethics. Topics may include: euthanasia; abortion; organ procurement; moral status; research on nonhuman animals; navigating cultural differences between patients and health professionals; and the fair distribution of healthcare resources; as well as the bioethical issues arising from technological advances in medicine, including genetic engineering, cloning, and assistive reproductive technologies.
PHIL 2200 - Major Social and Political Theories
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2024
Explores fundamental questions concerning the nature and legitimacy of major social and political institutions. Topics may include the nature of freedom; the meaning and value of democracy; competing conceptions of justice; the basis of political authority; civil disobedience; human dignity and individual rights; social conflict, tyranny, and war; just and unjust distributions of wealth; the relation between ethics and politics; the nature of political belief; and arguments for and against socialism, communism, libertarianism, and anarchism.
