Learning philosophy can be an immensely fulfilling—and even life-changing—experience. Its value lies not only in developing one’s intellectual faculties while reflecting on issues of great moment, but also in improving one’s abilities in other pursuits, both within other academic fields and outside the academy. We are all already playing what Robert Brandom has called “the game of giving and asking for reasons.” Learning philosophy helps us do it well.

My overarching aim in teaching is founded on the belief that the benefits of learning philosophy can empower students from all majors and backgrounds in their academic, professional, and personal lives. My teaching begins by showing students how philosophical concepts, distinctions, and arguments can help them navigate issues already of interest to them. I then help students cultivate their philosophical acumen by methodically developing general reading, writing, and analytical skills.

Past courses include:

• “Evolution and Ethics: Darwinism and its Implications” (Judy Genshaft Honors College, University of South Florida, Fall 2023)

• “Acquisition of Knowledge: Practical Wisdom and Interdisciplinary Inquiry” (Judy Genshaft Honors College, University of South Florida, Fall 2022, Fall 2023)

• “History of Philosophy: Ancient” (Department of Philosophy, Northwestern University, Summer 2022)

• “Introduction to Moral Philosophy” (Department of Philosophy, Northwestern University, Summer 2020)