Education
B.A. University of Colorado, Boulder 2002 (magma cum laude) Ph.D. Syracuse University Ph.D. expected Soonish Dissertation: Putting the Ghost Back in the Machine: A Defense of Common Sense Dualism Supervisor: Robert Van Gulick Abstract: Gilbert Ryle once ridiculed substance dualism, describing it as the view that we are a “ghost in the machine.” Since that time, substance dualism has found few defenders, and a presumption toward naturalism has dominated philosophical inquiry. Here, I offer an unapologetic defense this unfashionable view of the self. To do so, I first explain why philosophy should endorse a shift in method away from naturalism and toward common sense philosophy. I then show how, from within that approach, substance dualism is far better supported than its competitors. My defense of the common sense method rests heavily on an account of justification and of evidence defended by Michael Huemer, and results in the view that we should give strong presumptive weight to common sense. I proceed to argue that a commitment to active, immaterial minds is built into the conception of human nature used in everyday life, and therefore qualifies as a tenet of common sense. This fact gives a strong presumption to dualism. I finish by considering objections to dualism, and showing that not only do they fail to overcome this strong presumption, but would fail to overcome even a moderate conservatism with regard to beliefs about the nature of the mind.Areas of Specialization
Epistemology, Philosophy of MindAreas of Competence
Meta-Ethics, Thomas Reid, Introductory Logic, EthicsPublications
“Seemings and the Possibility of Epistemic Justification”, forthcoming from Philosophical Studies, DOI 10.1007/s11098-011-9830-2
Teaching Experience
| Syracuse University | |
| Teaching Assistant | |
| Introduction to Logic | Fall 2003, Spring 2004, 2005 |
| Human Nature | Fall 2004 |
| Sole Instructor Theories of Knowledge and Reality (Epistemology, Existence of God, Free Will, Phil. Mind) |
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| (8 terms, 13 total classes) | Fall 2005-Summer 2008 |
| Community College of Aurora | |
| Introduction to Philosophy |
Spring 2010-Spring 2013 |
| Ethics | Fall 2010, Spring 2011, 2013 |
| Platt College | |
| Critical Thinking | Spring, 2010-Winter 2013 |
| Philosophy and Society | Winter 2012 |
| University of Colorado at Denver | |
| Adjunct Instructor for the CU Succeeds Program (Class taught at D’Evelyn High School) | |
| Introduction to Philosophy | Fall 2011 |
Academic Experience
Conference Organizer, 2007 Graduate Conference in Philosophy, Syracuse University.Presentations
- “Allowing for Unjustified Deliberative Beliefs”, commentary on Elizabeth Palmer’s “Deliberative Belief Formation as an Action”, April 8, 2005, Graduate Conference in Philosophy, Syracuse University.
- “Questioning the need for Usefulness and for Non-Circular Justification”, commentary on Deke Gould’s “Rule Circular Justification and Deduction”, ABD Series Presentation, March 30, 2007, Syracuse University.
- “Seemings and the Possibility of Epistemic Justification”, ABD Series Presentation, September 4, 2007, Syracuse University.
- “The Causal Argument Against Physicalism”, ABD Series Presentation, April 2, 2009, Syracuse University.