As Professor of Philosophy, I teach courses and publish on philosophy as practiced in Europe in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries ("early modern" philosophy), aesthetics, film, and philosophy in the United States through the civil rights movement. As Associate Dean for Capstone at the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, I oversee honors capstones for hundreds of students and the Honors Scholars program.
Research Interests
I read and write widely on British philosophy of the seventeenth and eighteenth century (with particular attention to metaphysics and methodology), as well as publishing on Spinoza and other early modern figures. I have a second research track that merges philosophy and media studies. I describe myself as a "shiny object" philosopher: put something interesting in front of me and I want to figure it out.
Biography
Born in Wisconsin, I have a BA in philosophy and history from Bethel University (MN) and a PhD in philosophy from Yale University.
The Metaphysical Implications of Newtonianism
Mary Astell on Neighborly Love
Buster Keaton and the Puzzle of Love
Clarke Against Spinoza on the Manifest Diversity of the World
Courses Taught
- PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy
- PHIL 302 History of Philosophy II
- PHIL 316 Philosophy in American History
- PHIL 320 Aesthetics
- PHIL 355 Philosophy of Film
- PHIL 402 Seminar in History of Modern Philosophy
- PHIL 607 Major Western Philosophers
- PHIL 620 Problems of Aesthetics
- PHIL 622 Studies in Early Modern Philosophy
- HON 391 Honors Conversations I
- HON 392 Honors Conversations II
Education
M.P.H. Philosophy, Yale University (2008)
M.A. Philosophy, Yale University (2003)
Ph.D. Philosophy, Yale University (2012)