Mission Statement of the Philosophy Minor
In unison with the institutional and Humanities’ missions, this minor program is dedicated to the development of students who are capable of rational argument, open-minded consideration of diverse view points, informed appreciation and use of various cultural and intellectual histories, and ethical yet critically analytical decisions in their personal and professional lives. This era of rapid technological change, information proliferation, and global interdependence creates ever-changing cultural, economic and political situations that must be met by students with the adaptability of a quick mind that is also balanced by the strength of informed conviction, which can be produced by the classical tradition of the Humanities, and philosophy in particular. To achieve this, the minor in philosophy program is committed to the cooperation of various members of the faculty from diverse traditions and areas of study, in order to challenge students by introducing a wide array of perspectives and worldviews.
William Nolen, Instructor
Office: PLG 312F Phone: 956-326-2660 Email: william.nolen@tamiu.edu
Mr. Nolen's interests lie in researching Plato, Aristotle, the American Renaissance, 19th Through 21st Centuries Continental Thought, Cultural Studies Focusing on Dystopian and Apocalyptic Texts
Dr. Jonathan Murphy, Associate Professor
Office: PLG 216C Phone: 956-326-2602 Email: JONATHAN.MURPHY@TAMIU.EDU
Dr. Murphy’s research interests lie in Literary Theory and Philosophy, are wide-ranging, and extend from Plato to the present. Dr. Murphy's doctoral research focused on the influence of Greek, French, German, and British Idealism on the American Romantics. His current book project, "At the Tomb of the American Renaissance," examines how the American Romantics wed their metaphysical ideas of America with the geopolitical realities of the nation they inhabited. He aims to bring more recent critical theories (e.g., political liberalism, deconstruction, psychoanalysis, postmodernism) and voices to bear on the literature, philosophy, and politics of the American Romantics.
Dr. Jack Byham, Assistant Professional
Office: CNS 302H Phone: 956-326-2632 Email: jack.byham@tamiu.edu
His general research interests include the history of political philosophy and American politics. Within the field of political philosophy, Dr. Byham is interested in the contrast between the ancients, such as Plato and Aristotle, and the moderns, in particular Hobbes and Locke.
Recommended Reading:
Recommended Viewing:
Click on Borges' Library of Babel Image Below to Link to
TAMIU Killam Library's Philosophy Research Guides!
