I enjoy teaching a range of philosophy courses at a variety of levels, as well as supervising the research work of graduate students. My general aims are: (1) to pass on to students a deep appreciation of the substance of philosophical thinking, as well as the history of philosophy; and (2) to empower students to develop capacities for engaging in critical thinking and presenting rational arguments – capacities that philosophy at its best excels at developing. 

U n d e r g r a d u a t e

I choose to teach an Introduction to Ethics class every semester. I find it extremely satisfying to help a large number of students who are mostly new to philosophy develop (i) critical thinking skills; and (ii) an appreciation of the complexity of ethical issues. I take both of these to be of potentially enormous significance with respect to how students will go about thinking about the world that they live in, and decisions that they need to make in their own lives, regardless of whether they go on to study more philosophy. I use classroom clickers to receive continual feedback. Other courses I have taught include Applied Ethics, Contemporary Ethical Theory, Epistemology, History of Ethics, Philosophy of Love, and Types of Ethical Theory.

In advanced undergraduate and graduate courses, I structure proceedings around extended discussions between students, and between students and myself, that are generally focused on interpreting and critically assessing ideas and arguments in carefully chosen set texts. This fits with my general aim, when teaching any course, of facilitating active learning, rather than simply encouraging the passive digestion of a stream of information. 

G R A D U A T E

To date, I have taught seven graduate level courses on ethical theory, epistemology, normative reasons in ethics and epistemology, and the philosophy of love. I have also served on several PhD dissertation committees. I am Director of Graduate Placement. 

E T H I C S   S e m i n a r

Students are encouraged to participate in the Ethics Seminar, and talks in this seminar series sometimes overlap with advanced classes (talks are sometimes scheduled with course topics in mind; topics previously selected for this purpose include ethical theory, love and reasons).