Hometown: Mobile, Alabama
Degrees earned: B.A. in Philosophy, Vanderbilt University; M.A. in Philosophy, University of Arizona; Ph.D. in Philosophy, University of Arizona
Arrived at NIU: 1988
Classes taught: Contemporary Moral Issues, Environmental Ethics, Epistemology, Introduction to Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion, Theories and Problems of Knowledge, Theories and Problems of Reality, and Contextualism
What’s your mission in academia?
My aim in all of my classes is to challenge my students to think in a radically reflective way, which involves questioning their beliefs in an open-minded, dispassionate way with an eye toward truth. Radically reflective thinking is essential because it helps students to discover what their most fundamental beliefs and values really are.
How did you become interested in your subject area?
I’ve been interested in philosophical puzzles as far back as I can remember. When I was a boy, I would often ask my mother questions like, “Do other people see colors the same way I do?” I’m sure she found it quite exasperating at times. When I went to college, I took her advice and signed up for a philosophy class. After that, I was hooked.
What do students learn from you?
They learn to think outside the box and to think for themselves. They learn to question their beliefs and to question “authority.” They also learn how to read, comprehend and critically assess philosophical arguments and essays and to write with clarity and precision.
What makes your class interesting? Exciting?
First and foremost, the subject matter. Philosophy by its very nature addresses the big questions: Just what sorts of beings are we human beings, and what is our place in the cosmos? Does God exist? What is the good life, and how can we achieve it?
What kinds of things do your graduates do?
Some pursue graduate work in philosophy, ecology, political science or psychology. Others go to law school or opt for careers in journalism, communications or business.
What is your favorite aspect of your subject?
How liberating and life-changing it can be.
What most concerns you about society today?
The vast amount of human-generated suffering in the world that is conveniently hidden from our eyes by those who profit from that suffering.
What most pleases you about society today?
Widespread access to the internet has increased educational opportunities for all and has increased communication between people of different cultures.
What’s your current research?
My current research is divided between epistemology, philosophy of religion and applied ethics—especially environmental ethics and global justice issues.
The best philosophy book I’ve read lately is:
"Contextualism in Philosophy: Knowledge , Meaning , and Truth," ed. Gerhard Preyer and Georg Peter. "Insensitive Semantics" by Cappelen and Lepore runs a close second.
On the lighter side, I’ve recently read:
"Man without a Country" by Kurt Vonnegut and "Leviathan" by Paul Auster. I enjoyed both immensely.
Where do you go in DeKalb for a good meal?
Rosita’s and Eduardo’s for sit-down meals, and Pita Pete’s for hummus pitas that rock!
My hobbies include:
Running, cycling, martial arts, golf, hiking and organic gardening.
Who was your favorite professor, and why?
I learned an enormous amount from Stephen Schiffer at the University of Arizona. He drove home the importance of rigor and clarity in one’s thinking and writing like no other professor I’ve had.
Why should students come to NIU?
NIU has an excellent faculty of scholars committed to student learning.
What’s your best advice to students who want to succeed?
Seek out subjects that genuinely intrigue you, and never stop learning.
If you weren’t teaching, what would you be doing?
Either practicing law, practicing preventive medicine or doing research in nutrition science.
What would your tombstone read?
Finally, a little downtime.
Photos by Don Butler, NIU Media Services