Dr. Matthew Cooper teaches philosophy and religious studies at South. His courses are largely discussion-oriented and focus on helping students express their own intuitions, beliefs, and values. Don't ask Dr. Cooper what he believes in class - he won't tell you! He plays the devil's advocate by "holding" a wide variety of positions. This forces students to interact rationally with views very different from their own. And it's usually a lot of fun as well!
Courses Offered @ SMCC
PHI 101 Introduction to Philosophy
PHI 103 Introduction to Logic
PHI 103 Introduction to Logic - online
REL/PHI 213 Medical and Bio-Ethics
REL/PHI 213 Medical and Bio-Ethics - online
PHI 218 Philosophy of Sexuality
REL 243 World Religions
HUM 101 Introduction to Humanities
Teaching Experience
South Mountain Community College, 2008 - present
Philosophy and Religious Studies Faculty
Arizona State University, 2006-2008
Lecturer, Philosophy
Faculty Associate, Philosophy
MCCCD, 2002-2004; 2006-2007
Adjunct Instructor, Philosophy and Religious Studies
Education
Ph.D., Arizona State University, Philosophy (Philosophy of Religion)
M.A., Arizona State University, Philosophy
M.A., Andover Newton Theological School, Theology
B.A., Bryan College, Biblical Studies (minor in philosophy)
Languages
Arabic (MSA) - intermediate
Portuguese - less than elementary
Research Interests
My interests revolve around the theme of the relationship between faith and reason. I'm interested in, e.g., questions about science and religion, especially evolution and creationism; the epistemic justification of religious belief; responses to religious doubt in Christianity and Islam; apologetics and counterapologetics; questions concerning fundamentalism and modernity; and broader concerns about the possibility of rational discourse in a religiously and politically pluralistic society.
Personal Interests
Writing, exercise, dancing, movies, Indianapolis Colts football (big fan of Peyton Manning and Bob Sanders), and Late Night with Conan O'Brien.
See Matt's unofficial resource for his SMCC courses: www.thinksouthmountain.net.