Paul Diduch has an MA in Political Science/Political Theory from the University of Alberta and a PhD from the Institute of Philosophic Studies at the University of Dallas. His doctoral work focused on Plato's ethics and moral psychology, and he has published articles on these subjects in Plato and Thucydides. Diduch's most recent work on Plato is Socrates in the Cave, an edited volume focused on Socrates' motives for philosophic interlocution. His current research attempts to combine longstanding interests in the history and philosophy of science with ancient Socratic thought. Recent scholarly work includes: a review essay on Tim Burns' Leo Strauss on Democracy, Technology, and Liberal Education; papers on Francis Bacon's agreement and disagreement with Plato and Aristotle on technological innovation; conference remarks on the role of techne in Socrates' refutation of Thrasymachus; and a book manuscript on the problem of technology in Plato and Aristotle.
keywords
philosophy, ancient philosophy, ancient political thought, Plato, Aristotle, history of political thought, science studies, moral and philosophical implications of modern science, philosophy of science, Darwinism, scientism, philosophical assumptions and implications of contemporary psychology and cognitive science,
Teaching
courses taught
COEN 1830 - Special Topics
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
Explores topics of interest in engineering. Content varies by instructor and semester. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours.
ENES 1010 - Humanity in a Technological Age
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022
This seminar considers what it means to be human in an increasingly technological age. Designed for engineering students, it also looks at the role of technology designers and creators in shaping the human environment. Students focus on sharpening their written and oral communication skills through a series of iterative assignments and projects. Fulfills College of Engineering writing requirement for first-year students only.
ENES 2210 - Modern Science and Technological Society
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022
Explores challenges that engineering and science pose for society plus the ways that societies shape or impede science and engineering. Case studies range from contemporary issues (global warming, nuclear weapons, and genetic engineering) to classic cases (the execution of Socrates). Core texts in the Western Tradition supplement contemporary articles and films. Formerly HUEN 2210. Degree credit not granted for this course and ENES 3210.
ENES 3100 - Ethical Awareness for Engineers
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2021 / Summer 2021 / Summer 2022
This seminar introduces engineering students to a variety of essential texts and works drawn from literature, history, philosophy, and the arts. Through class discussions and a variety of writing assignments, students reflect on their personal values, goals, commitments, and responsibilities, and how these align with the ethical challenges of engineering. Fulfills the College of Engineering and Applied Science writing requirement.
ENES 3210 - Modern Science and the Technological Society
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022
Explores challenges that engineering and science pose for society as well as the ways that societies shape or impede science and engineering. Case studies range from contemporary issues (global warming, nuclear weapons, and genetic engineering) to classic cases (the execution of Socrates). Core texts in the Western Tradition supplement contemporary articles and films. Degree credit not granted for this course and ENES 2210.
ENES 3700 - Culture Wars in Rome
Primary Instructor
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Summer 2022 / Summer 2023 / Summer 2024
Investigates in Rome, Italy (during Maymester), the cultural contrasts among three different cities: ancient, pagan, aristocratic Rome; medieval, Christian, theocratic Rome; and modern, secular, democratic Rome. Draws on evidence from Roman literature, politics, art and architecture. Must have completed a minimum of 26 credit hours by start of course. Requires some preparatory work in Boulder. Formerly HUEN 3700.
ENES 3843 - Special Topics
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Fall 2021
Explores different important themes in the humanities, check with department for specific semester topics. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Formerly HUEN 3843.
ENLP 2000 - Leadership, Fame and Failure
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024
Examines the ambition, moral character, prudence and grit required for effective leadership. Common causes of leadership failure are also considered. A wide variety of ancient and modern leaders are studied in the disciplines of science and technology, politics, business and military affairs using primary source readings in history, philosophy and literature. Also explores whether leadership is a teachable art.
ENLP 4000 - The Empire of Modern Science
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Examines science and technology's rise to the status of political, cultural and economic leader of the modern world. Also considers the ambitions and limits of the modern scientific enterprise, and investigates whether scientists are adequately equipped to lead humanity's political, spiritual and evolutionary future. Readings are drawn from primary sources in history, economics politics, philosophy and literature. Recommended prerequisite: ENLP 2000 or ENLP 3000. Recommended restriction: this course is recommended for Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.
HUEN 2210 - Modern Science and Technological Society
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019
Explores challenges that engineering and science pose for society plus the ways that societies shape or impede science and engineering. Case studies range from contemporary issues (global warming, nuclear weapons, and genetic engineering) to classic cases (the execution of Socrates). Core texts in the Western Tradition supplement contemporary articles and films. Formerly HUEN 2210.
HUEN 3700 - Culture Wars in Rome
Primary Instructor
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Summer 2018 / Summer 2019
Investigates in Rome, Italy (during Maymester), the cultural contrasts among three different cities: ancient, pagan, aristocratic Rome; medieval, Christian, theocratic Rome; and modern, secular, democratic Rome. Draws on evidence from Roman literature, politics, art and architecture. Must have completed a minimum of 26 credit hours by start of course. Requires some preparatory work in Boulder. Formerly HUEN 3700.
HUEN 3843 - Special Topics
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Spring 2020
Explores different important themes in the humanities, check with department for specific semester topics. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Formerly HUEN 3843.
