My teaching and research focus on furthering civil and rational discourse in our diverse, global environment. My courses are discussion-based and focus primarily on developing an empathetic understanding for all views and practices. However, because empathy doesn't require agreement, I also challenge students to ask hard questions along the way. Pursuing empathy and critical thinking at the same time can be a tricky balance, but it's important for the kinds of conversations we need to be having today.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about my courses.
Courses Offered @ SMCC
Every semester:
REL 243 World Religions
PHI 213 Medical Ethics and Bioethics
Occassionally:
PHI 218 Philosophy of Sexuality
PHI 101 Introduction to Philosophy
PHI 103 Introduction to Logic
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
Education
Ph.D., Arizona State University, Philosophy (Philosophy of Religion) Dissertation: "Young-Earth Creationism and the Logic of Fundamentalism"
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
Research Interests
My interests revolve around the issue of developing empathetic understanding for, and less superficial objections to, views and practices that are considered radical, fundamentalist, and extremist. For example, my dissertation explored the logic of fundamentalism through the examples of young-earth creationism and Al-Qaeda. I criticized the standard objection to YEC, spent some time empathetically exploring the logic and epistemology of YEC, and then suggested an objection to YEC that is hopefully less superficial. I then suggested how this approach could be helpful when dealing with other cases such as Al-Qaeda.
I'm currently working on a project as part of the MCCCD Diversity Infusion Program dealing with this question: When we say we strive to include, welcome, understand, and respect everyone, are we really offering this inclusion to everyone - including so-called radicals, fundamentalists, and extremists?
As part of this project I'm striking up conversations with a variety of people that have been labeled radicals, fundamentalists, and extremists to develop an empathetic understanding of their views and practices. For example, even if we disagree with Pastor Steven Anderson (Phoenix-area preacher who's prayed for the death of Barack Obama), Rev. Michael Bray (who defends the right to use force against abortion doctors), or Kurt Wise (who defends the literal view of the Bible that the universe is less than 10,000 years old), shouldn't we try to at least understand the logic of their views with empathy? Other questions I'm asking include: In what sense, if any, should we include and welcome them and their views? Is there a way to state objections to their views and practices that aren't superficial and circular?
Personal Interests
I enjoy writing, exercising, watching movies, being lazy, Indianapolis Colts football (big fan of Peyton Manning and Bob Sanders), PS3, and computer games.