Tyler Paytas

"Friends, the school of a philosopher is a hospital. When you leave, you should have suffered, not enjoyed yourself."

Capitoline Hill, Rome. Photo credit: Marcia Baron

I am a Senior Lecturer in the Western Civilisation Program at Australian Catholic University. My primary research areas are ethics and the history of philosophy. I am especially interested in virtue theory and emotions. The historical figures I focus on are Plato, Epictetus, Kant, and Sidgwick. I am co-author (with Nich Baima) of Plato's Pragmatism: Rethinking the Relationship between Ethics and Epistemology (Routledge, 2021). I am co-editor (with Tim Henning) of Kantian and Sidgwickian Ethics: The Cosmos of Duty Above and the Moral Law Within (Routledge, 2020).

I am originally from Scottsdale, Arizona, and I began my undergraduate education at Scottsdale Community College. After completing my Associate's degree, 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 Washington University in St. Louis under the supervision of Julia Driver.

Media and Public Engagement

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 virtue, Stoicism, and animal welfare. I recently discussed some of these issues in an interview on Stoic Athenaeum.

In the aftermath of the 2020 US election, I wrote an opinion piece for ABC News in which I argued that the virtues of humility and compassion are incompatible with viewing Trump supporters as meriting contempt.

Image: Fearful of fear (Pixabay)

My research on emotions and virtue theory has been featured on two episodes of the ABC RN program The Philosopher's Zone. In an episode from December 2018, 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.

The topic of a second episode was anger and the question of whether this emotion is ever justified. We discuss the reasons why I believe we ought to cultivate away our anger, despite the fact that it can have epistemic value and be a useful source of motivation.

In an episode of the ACU Podcast Thinking Philosophy, Deborah Stone and I discuss my research on moral concepts and the idea of 'de-moralizing' ethical theory. I explain why I think moral concepts that have conceptual ties to blame are problematic.

My writing on animal welfare includes an opinion piece for ABC News, in which 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 an 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.

I have discussed some of these topics in radio interviews, including the ABC Radio National program God Forbid.

I am a recurrent guest on Inner Monologue, a RISE podcast hosted by Thomas Brown. RISE is a Phoenix-based community organization promoting mental health awareness. Inner Monologue covers topics such as mindfulness, creativity, and personal development.

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)

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)

I am a 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.