P U B L I S H E D W O R K
Forthcoming in Archiv fur Geschichte der Philosophie: "Aristotle on Non-Substantial Particulars, Fundamentality, and Change." In this paper I argue that for Aristotle non-substantial particulars are neither tropes nor recurrent universals, but modes. I turn to Physics I to show that Aristotle takes them to be so, and to show why it matters philosophically; particular properties must be modes in order for Aristotle to preserve the reality of genuine change.
Forthcoming in Illinois Classical Studies: "In Praise of Gorgias" In this paper I use Socrates’s aside to Callicles at Gorgias 481c5-482b1 to argue that love is essential to philosophy on Plato’s conception. On my reading, Plato uses the drama of the dialogue to critique the discussion therein, against a standard for philosophy which is implicit in Socrates’s remarks. Plato suggests that Socrates’s exchange with Gorgias is the best of the three, since it best realizes the inseparable goals of pursuing truth and becoming more persuadable by reason. What makes it so is that between Socrates and Gorgias alone does there seem to be a genuine good will and love leading to an effective partnership in the social activity which is philosophy.
"Hypokeimenon vs. Substance." Review of Metaphysics 74 (294): 227-250. 2020. Aristotle’s concept of subject, or hypokeimenon, has been understudied in scholarship, in part because, since Aristotle associates it with his concept of ousia or substance, discussion of hypokeimenon is often eclipsed by that of substance. It is often thought that Aristotle introduces hypokeimenon as the criterion for being a substance in his Categories. In this essay I argue that he does not, thus calling into question some entrenched views about Aristotelian substance. Divorcing hypokeimenon from substance in this way emphasizes the need for an account of hypokeimenon in its own right. In this essay I also begin this work by using an often overlooked pointer in Categories towards a discussion in An. Po., in whose context Aristotle's logical notion of hypokeimenon begins to become more clear.
"Continuity and Mathematical Ontology in Aristotle." Journal of Ancient Philosophy 14 (1): 30-61. 2020. In this paper I argue that Aristotle's understanding of mathematical continuity constrains the mathematical ontology he can consistently hold. On my reading, Aristotle can only be a mathematical abstractionist of a certain sort. To show this, I first present an analysis of Aristotle's notion of continuity by bringing together texts from his Metaphysica and Physica, to show that continuity is, for Aristotle, a certain kind of per se unity, and that upon this rests his distinction between continuity and contiguity. Next I argue briefly that Aristotle intends for his discussion of continuity to apply to pure mathematical objects such as lines and figures, as well as to extended bodies. I show that this leads him to a difficulty, for it does not at first appear that the distinction between continuity and contiguity can be preserved for abstract mathematicals. Finally, I present a solution according to which Aristotle's understanding of continuity can only be saved if he holds a certain kind of mathematical ontology.
W O R K S I N P R O G R E S S
I am working on the question of whether in Plato's view the ideal philosopher can have a personal love for individuals as well as a love for the Good Itself, or whether love for persons is merely an important stage in the philosopher's development. I think that Plato's metaphysics of particulars will help to settle the matter.
I am also working on topics concerning Aristotle's response to Parmenides as it concerns his own concept of hypokeimenon, and Aristotle's concept of matter as it is introduced in Physics and developed in other works. A topic I plan to undertake in future work concerns Aristotle's account of sensation, and how it might shed light on some important concepts in his metaphysics.
T E A C H I N G
Currently Teaching (Fall 2023):
Phil 1010: Introduction to Philosophy. In this class we use Plato's Republic as our basic text to explore issues in ethics, epistemology, and metaphysics, among other topics, reflecting on and critiquing the proposals suggested in the text as well as in the history of philosophy since and up to the present day, and using real-life examples and current issues to understand their relevance and importance.
Phil 1030: Introduction to Ethics. This class pairs introduction to ethical theory with discussion of contemporary issues in ethics. It introduces philosophical concepts, methods, and reasoning by focusing on ethical issues.
Past courses:
Phil 499 Philosophy Capstone (UIUC)
Phil 410 Advanced Ancient Philosophy (UIUC)
Phil 203 Introduction to Ancient Philosophy (UIUC)
Phil 101 (UIUC, OSU)
Engineering Ethics (IIT, OSU)
Age of Darwin (IIT)
Images of Virtue: Philosophy and Literature on Virtue in the Western Tradition (IIT)
Ancient Greek Cosmology (IIT)
WORK EXPERIENCE
2023- present
Lecturer in Philosophy
Clemson University
Clemson, SC
2021- 2023
Lecturer in Ancient Philosophy
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Urbana, IL
2020
Adjunct Instructor in Philosophy
Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, IL
2017-2020
Sawyier Pre-Doctoral Fellow
Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, IL
EDUCATION
2019
The Ohio State University
PhD, Philosophy
Columbus, OH
2009
University of St Andrews
MLitt, Philosophy
St Andrews, Scotland
2008
Thomas Aquinas College
BA, Liberal Arts
Santa Paula, CA