My current research focuses on three projects. First, what makes our perceptual beliefs justified? Does perceptual justification require evidence of perceptual reliability. Many authors say it does not because they want to avoid circularity. I defend the view that it does. Second, I investigate the question of how one can know that one is not a brain-in-a-vat (alternatively, that one is not in the Matrix). Third, regarding the question of whether we have direct control over our beliefs, most authors argue that we do not. I argue that we do.
keywords
skepticism, perceptual justification, justified belief, belief control, free will
PHIL 1000 - Introduction to Philosophy
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Introduces students to the most fundamental questions of human existence, either topically or through various major figures in philosophy. Topics may include free will, the mind-body problem, the nature of the self, the existence of God, knowledge of the external world, the nature of morality, the meaning of life.
PHIL 4340 - Epistemology
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019 / Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023
Studies some of the main topics of theory of knowledge, such as evidence, justification, prediction, explanation, skepticism, and concept acquisition. Recommended prerequisites: PHIL 3480 and 12 credit hours of philosophy including PHIL 2440 and PHIL 3010. Same as 5340.
PHIL 4370 - Free Will and Determinism
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2024
Explores the full range of questions relating to the problem of free will and determinism. Topics may include; the scientific evidence for determinism, hard versus soft determinism, arguments for and against the compatibility of free will and determinism, moral responsibility and the principle of alternate possibilities, hierarchical motivation, the deep self, reactive attitudes, the intelligibility question for libertarianism, divine foreknowledge. Recommended prerequisite: 12 hours philosophy course work. Same as PHIL 5370.
PHIL 4800 - Open Topics in Philosophy
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018
See current departmental announcements for specific content. May be repeated up to 12 total credit hours. Recommended prerequisite: 12 hours philosophy course work.
PHIL 4950 - Honors Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2022
May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Recommended prerequisite: 12 hours philosophy course work.
PHIL 5800 - Open Topics in Philosophy
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018
Variety of new courses at the 5000 level. See current departmental announcements for specific content. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.
PHIL 6340 - Seminar in Epistemology
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2023
Intensive study of selected topics in epistemology.
PHIL 6950 - Master's Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020 / Spring 2021
May be repeated up to 7 total credit hours.
