Minding the Stoa  

I’m a philosopher, teacher, and public thinker working at the intersection of ancient philosophy and contemporary moral psychology. Much of my work draws upon Socratic and Stoic insights to address urgent practical questions about how we should think, act, and feel. Alongside academic research, I write and speak for general audiences through public lectures, podcasts, and essays that bring ancient wisdom into present-day conversations.  
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My primary role is that of teacher, mentor, and coach. As a lecturer in the Western Civilisation Program at ACU, I guide students through some of the most challenging texts and ideas in the history of human thought. My teaching combines close reading, Socratic dialogue, and kinetic lectures designed to make complex material accessible and transformative. I also run mental training seminars focused on applying Stoic wisdom for greater freedom and equanimity. During leave periods, I coach football at my alma mater, Chaparral High School (class of 2001, 44-0). 

Public Philosophy
Selected essays, reviews, and conversations. 

Only Socrates can save us (ABC Religion & Ethics)
Written in the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk assassination, this essay argues that Socratic inquiry—open dialogue and self-criticism—is our best hope for overcoming toxic political tribalism.

​Review of Dancing with the Devil: Why Bad Feelings Make Life Good (AJP)
​A critique of Krista Thomason's defense of negative emotions, arguing that anger, envy, and jealousy are detrimental to human flourishing. 

Review of The Case for Rage: Why Anger is Essential to Anti-Racist Struggle (Ethics)
A critical analysis of the pro-anger arguments presented by Myisha Cherry in her influential crossover book.

Liberalism and the ethics of religion-based immigration restrictions (Ethics & Global Politics)
An invited commentary challenging the assumption that religion must always be treated as a morally protected category in immigration policy.

Vegan activists need more pragmatism (ABC News)
This essay argues that while the moral case against factory farming is compelling, extreme forms of direct action are often counterproductive. (Discussion on Radio National)
  
Australia needs greater transparency in animal research (The Conversation)
An exploration of the ethics of animal research, arguing that greater transparency would reduce divisiveness and public distrust.

Santa Claus and the ethics of noble lies (ABC Religion & Ethics)
This essay defends the Santa tradition by showing how concerns about deception, trust, and moral development can be handled through context-sensitive ethical judgment.

If character matters, don't neglect it after Trump's defeat (ABC Religion & Ethics) 
A short piece arguing that moral consistency requires empathy and humility toward those with whom we have deep political disagreements.
In this episode of The Philosopher's Zone, I make the case that fear is a form of vice, and that the highest virtue when facing danger is not courage but rather fearlessness.  
In a second appearance, I argue that anger ought to be avoided because it involves false value judgements and reflects poor character. 

​My work on anger and fear was also featured on an episode of Micro-Digressions. The conversation covered a range of topics including retributivism and strategies for mitigating negative emotions. ​
​​I discussed my research on moral concepts and the idea of 'de-moralizing' ethics on an episode of Thinking Philosophy. 
My research on Stoicism was featured in an interview with Will Taylor for the Sydney Greek Philosophy Society. A written version is available here: sydneygreekphil.org/ Below is a video of our conversation.