Research Interests
Dr. Vereb's current research focuses on the relevance and application of Kant's philosophy for environmental issues, including its political and ethical dimensions. He is also interested in the influence of modern and post-Kantian philosophy, as well as issues in philosophical methodology more generally.
Biography
Dr. Vereb earned his Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of South Florida in 2019. Dr. Vereb’s research in philosophy sits at the intersection of environmental ethics, Kant studies, and political theory.
Publications
Kant and Environmental Philosophy starts with problems of the Anthropocene and looks to Immanuel Kant for answers. It offers a close reading of Kant's texts, arguing that the views we find in his ethical, political, legal, and aesthetic theory are helpful for making sense of ecological challenges like climate change. The book clarifies our duties regarding climate extinction, animal suffering, geoengineering, consumerism, and future generations. It provides insights and solutions for obstacles to sustainability, including corruption and the possibility of civil collapse. In environmental philosophy, historical commentators mine familiar philosophers for insights to these problems, but Kant is often seen as an anthropocentric and dualistic individualist in a world dominated by consequentialist thinking, and accordingly he is overlooked as relevant for environmental philosophy. This book challenges that conclusion, and its comprehensive examination of Kant's texts provides lessons for environmental philosophy and climate ethics at a time when a fresh perspective is desperately needed.
- Applies the most comprehensive overview of Kant's philosophy, including his aesthetic, political, ethical, legal, and metaphysical theories, to issues regarding the environment, animals, and climate
- Compares Kant's teleological, anthropological, and political theories with subsequent views in the history of philosophy and science, including figures like Humboldt, Schiller, Goethe, Aristotle, Leibniz, Marx, Darwin, and Leopold
- Offers positive, unique insights for understanding ethical problems with sustainability, as well as uniquely Kantian solutions to those problems
Endorsement: ‘Vereb's scholarship is impressive and wide-ranging. This is an important book for environmentalists and for Kantians. It will broaden our understanding of the usefulness of Kant for contemporary issues, and it will also instigate significant scholarship and dialogue. It will challenge Kantians to read and make use of the whole of Kant in dealing with the contemporary climate crisis.' Holly L. Wilson, Louisiana State University of Alexandria.
Additional Publications
Courses Taught
- PPL 370 Philosophy of Leadership
- PPL 212 Critical Thinking, Communication, and Public Policy
- PPL 300 Public Policy and Ethics
- PPL 345 Environmental Ethics
His teaching style involves hands-on instruction, including debates, presentations, and the Socratic method. Dr. Vereb encourages his students to be curious and think critically, always with an eye to the real-world value of philosophical reflection.
Education
Ph.D. Philosophy, University of South Florida (2019)