Understanding Conspiracy Theories with “Fake Plots!”
Making critical thinking fun
In a recent review paper, Alan Bensley concludes that “people who endorse unsubstantiated claims less tend to show better critical thinking...
Failure, Camaraderie, and Shared Embodied Learning
I have taught philosophy in all types of schools, from community colleges to nationally- ranked research universities. I’ve also coached youth cycling (albeit briefly)...
Teaching as an Act of Service
Even though I have taught my courses several times, I find that I am always excited to begin each new semester and to better...
Two Easy Techniques to Restore (or at Least Affirm) Academic Honesty
In reading social media posts by philosophers and speaking with colleagues around the country, there seem to be four faculty responses to the academic...
Philosophical Mastery and Conceptual Competence
I roughly sort pedagogical issues into two broad categories: engagement and mastery. By “engagement” I mean roughly discussion and reflection on teaching methods that...
What Am I ‘Really’ Doing While Teaching Philosophy
In my first year of teaching, a thought-provoking story prompted me to reflect on the profound meaning and value of my work as a...
Reflections on Teaching in the AI Age
I kind of miss plagiarism. Some turn of phrase in a student’s paper would sound a bit off, and some googling would uncover that...
The Transformative Power of Philosophy
Democrat or Republican? Pro-life or pro-choice? Back the blue or defund the police? Support drag shows or homophobic ideas? News, social media, and laypeople...
How to Teach How to Write: Empowering Students to Take Ownership of the English...
I love the craft of writing and I love teaching the craft of writing. But for the past few years, my love has grown...
Reflections on Making my Course Relevant for Students’ Lived Experience
I have always cared about making the connection between the classroom and the world abundantly clear for my students, who sometimes express the sentiment...