"When it's time to leave the sun and moon behind, how will you react?"
Marcus Aurelius - Campidoglio, Rome
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I am a Research Fellow in the Dianoia Institute of Philosophy at Australian Catholic University in Melbourne. I work primarily in ethics and the history of philosophy. My research focusses on virtue theory and the emotions as well as the impartiality of practical reason. The historical figures I'm most interested in are Plato, Epictetus, Kant, and Sidgwick. I am currently working on a book titled Plato's Pragmatism: Rethinking the Relationship between Ethics and Epistemology (Routledge, under contract). This project is co-authored with my former colleague, Nich Baima. I am also co-editing (with Tim Henning) a collection of essays titled Kantian and Sidgwickian Ethics: The Cosmos of Duty Above and the Moral Law Within (Routledge, forthcoming). In the summer of 2020 I will be a visiting researcher in the Institut für Philosophie at KIT in Germany. This visit is part of a two-year research program on the history of ethical impartialism funded by the Universities Australia/DAAD Australia-Germany Joint Research Co-operation Scheme. I am originally from Scottsdale, Arizona, and I began my undergraduate education at Scottsdale Community College. After completing my Associate's degree at SCC, I accepted a football scholarship from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO. After graduating from Truman, I earned an MA in philosophy from UM-St. Louis and subsequently a PhD in philosophy from Wash U under the supervision of Julia Driver. From 2015-2016 I was a VolkswagenStiftung Postdoctoral Fellow in the Institut für Philosophie at Universität Stuttgart. |
Media and Public Engagement
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I share Sidgwick's belief that as rational beings we are "bound to aim at good generally," which means that we ought to promote the good impartially rather than prioritizing ourselves, our loved ones, our nations, or our species. I also believe that two of the most effective means of promoting the general good are personal development and the open exchange of ideas and practical wisdom. I try to act in accordance with these beliefs by contributing to public discourse on topics such animal welfare, mental health awareness, and self-improvement.
In an opinion piece for ABC News, I argue that while the motivations behind vegan activism are understandable, there are good reasons to believe that certain confrontational tactics are likely to do more harm than good. In a recent article for The Conversation, I address the issue of scientific research involving animals. I advocate for Australian researchers to adopt a pledge of transparency similar to the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research in the UK. |
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I have discussed some of these topics in radio interviews, including the ABC Radio National program God Forbid.
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My research on fear and virtue theory was the topic of an episode of the ABC RN program The Philosopher's Zone. In this episode, David Rutledge and I discuss my view that fear is a structural vice. We also talk about the usefulness of Stoic teachings for overcoming fearfulness and coping with the various challenges of life. |
Image: Fearful of fear (Pixabay)
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I am a recurrent guest on the RISE Inner Monologue Podcast hosted by Thomas Brown. RISE is a Phoenix-based community organization promoting mental health awareness. Inner Monologue is a podcast about mindfulness, creativity, and self-discovery.
In episode 61, Thomas and I begin by exploring some the moral issues depicted in iconic western films such as Tombstone and Unforgiven. We then discuss some of my research in virtue theory and Kantian ethics. I also share stories about my decision to pursue a career in philosophy, as well as the trials and tribulations of graduate school. (Interview starts at 16:00)
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In episode 115, Thomas and I discuss the ways that language is used to manipulate others and the extent to which our perception of the world may fail to correspond to reality. We also talk about the importance of self-improvement as a means of improving the world. (Interview starts at 21:15)
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I am an active member of the Melbourne-based philosophy network PEiPL - Philosophical Engagement in Public Life. This organization consists of several working groups dedicated to promoting and supporting philosophy within Victoria. These groups work towards a variety of aims such as bringing philosophy to socially marginalized individuals, promoting greater interface between philosophy and science, and incorporating philosophy into primary and secondary education. For more information about PEiPL, click here. |
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Recommended Books
- Discourses and Selected Writings - Epictetus
- Meditations - Marcus Aurelius
- Waking Up - Sam Harris
- Why Buddhism is True - Robert Wright
- A Guide to the Good Life - William Irvine
- The Last Days of Socrates - Plato
- The Power of Now - Eckhart Tolle
- On What Matters - Derek Parfit
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