My teaching and research are concentrated in ethics and political philosophy. More specifically, I’m interested in metaethical questions about the nature of normativity, in the relation of self-interest and morality, and in the basis and extent of political authority. In addition to general courses in ethics, the history of ethics, and political philosophy, I teach special topics seminars on \u201cMorality and Self-Interest” and on \u201cClassical Liberalism and Libertarianism.\u201d My scholarship has ranged broadly over issues in metaethics, the history of ethics, and political philosophy. Recent work explores Ayn Rand\u2019s moral and political thought, John Locke\u2019s arguments for religious toleration, and the concept of \u201cnon-aggression\u201d within libertarian theory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My keynote address at Harvey Mudd’s 2024 convocation ceremony is available here<\/a>. Entitled “Valuing Integrity,” it develops some points that I think it’s important for those involved in any institution of higher learning to bear in mind, both in connection with academics and throughout campus life. <\/p>\n\n\n\nSelected Courses Taught<\/h2>\n\n\n\n