Philosophy Research

Epistemology

Dr. Patrick Bondy | Epistemology, reasons, paternalism, disagreement, informal logic

The Informal Logic Approach to Argumentation. The Routledge Handbook of Argumentation Theory

Arguments from Ignorance, Coverage, Bubbles, and Dogmatism

Abstract: In “Epistemic Coverage and Argument Closure,” Catherine Hundleby brings together Sanford Goldberg’s work in social epistemology with Douglas Walton’s work in argumentation theory, on the topic of arguments from ignorance and truth-to-testimony conditionals. This paper explores the uses and limits of such arguments and conditionals, especially in connection with the problem of epistemic bubbles

Hermeneutical Injustice and Epistemic Basing Failure
Abstract: This paper introduces a problem relating to hermeneutical injustice that is grounded in epistemic basing failure. Mona Simion has recently argued for an extension of Miranda Fricker’s concept of hermeneutical injustice, to cover cases where subjects have good reasons for important beliefs available to them, but they fail to form the relevant beliefs. This paper further argues that hermeneutical injustices can arise in cases where subjects have good reasons available, and they do hold the relevant beliefs that are supported by those reasons, but they fail to hold their beliefs on the basis of the good reasons that are available to them.

Deeply Disagreeing with Myself: Synchronic Intrapersonal Deep Disagreement
Abstract: Deep disagreements are normally deep-seated disagreements, that bottom out in conflicting fundamental frameworks for thinking about and acting in the world. Such disagreements are notoriously difficult to rationally resolve; and they are generally conceived as taking place between different people. This paper argues that deep disagreements with oneself are also possible; and that some resources for dealing with interpersonal deep disagreements might be applicable in the intrapersonal cases, too.

Can Rational Persuasion Be Epistemically Paternalistic?
Abstract: Paternalistic interferences aim to get people to do things, for their own good, that they don't want to do. In order to get people to do things in a non-paternalistic fashion, we would normally try to rationally persuade them to do it—because then they'll be acting on the basis of what they recognize as good reasons. However, it's been argued that rational persuasion can be disrespectful in just the same way that paternalistic interventions can be. This paper explores the concepts of epistemic paternalism and rational persuasion, ultimately arguing that the key cases where reasons are used to persuade people in a disrespectful fashion fall short of the ideal of rational persuasion.

Hermeneutical Injustice and Epistemic Basing Failure
Abstract: Hermeneutical injustice is the inability of people to understand or communicate important aspects of their own experiences, due to injustice or bias in prevailing conceptual frameworks. This paper connects the concept of hermeneutical injustice to that of "basing failure," where a person has a belief, and has a reason that supports it, but does not hold the belief on the basis of that reason—particularly when that basing failure results from a person's inadequate grasp of the relevant concepts. This kind of basing failure puts people in the awkward position of having reasons available to them, but being unable or unwilling to appeal to those reasons in their deliberations or arguments. It consequently also has the potential to cause further hermeneutical and practical injustices.

Ethics and Epistemology for Professionals

The Department of Philosophy provides a bridge between academic and professional ethics and the real world of employment. With a special emphasis on real-world situations, our course offerings cover essential frameworks for professionals who must make difficult decisions with ethical implications over the courses of their careers.

Courses Currently Offered                             

Business Ethics
Engineering Ethics
Ethics of Space Exploration
Ethics and Computers
Classic Philosophy of Law
Contemporary Philosophy of Law
Bioethics
Biomedical Engineering Ethics
Coming soon: Introduction to Legal Ethics

World Philosophy, Inclusive Philosophy

Much of our teaching and scholarship engages with non-Western philosophical topics and perspectives, including Asian, Indigenous, LatinX, and African philosophy and global issues.

Dr. Xiufen Lu | Chinese Philosophy, political philosophy, philosophy of religion
Dr. Lu's current focus is comparative studies in nationalism and international relations, modern Chinese history and perspectives, and their Western counterparts as well as a critique of some of the most devastating misconceptions of classical Chinese philosophy in Western academia, a problem rooted in poor English translations of the Chinese texts.

• Xunzi and Freud: How not to do comparative studies
• The Notion of Chéng 诚 (Sincerity/Reality) in Mencius and Xunzi
• The Concept of Chéng 诚 (Sincerity/Reality) in Classical Chinese Philosophy—A Translation and Interpretation of the Relevant Discussions in Mencius, Xunzi, The Great Learning, The Doctrine of the Mean, and Zhuangzi
• The Evolution of Li Dazhao’s Chinese Nationalism
• Xunzi on Moral Education and Transformation
• The Maoist Perspective on Evil
• Humanity with Moral Content, the Concrete Human Dignity of Chinese Thought

Drs. Susan Sterrett and Susan Castro (with PI Lori Santos, Art Education)

MURPA Multidisciplinary Grant: Sowing and Growing Through Mindfulness with Nature:  Implications for an Indigenous-Informed Creative Arts Praxis 


New course as of Spring 2026:

PHIL 225.  Ways of Being in the World: An Introduction to Indigenous Philosophies of Turtle Island (3).

An introduction to worldviews and philosophical thought of Indigenous people of North America (also known as Turtle Island). Emphasis is on understanding "a different way of viewing and being in the world" by reading, listening to, viewing and discussing selected works of Native American/First Nations/American Indians, Metis, and Inuit authors and speakers. Works are related to areas of philosophy such as the nature of philosophy, philosophy of religion, metaphysics, epistemology and ethics.

 

Community Outreach

The Department of Philosophy takes seriously its mission to be an educational and cultural driver for the community at large. Here are a few examples:

• Lifelong learning classes for seniors 65+
  • Women in Computing (Sterrett)
  • Philosophy of Humor (Castro)
  • Ethics of Big Data and AI (Castro)

• Lectures, appearances, consultations
  • AI: Misconceptions, Limitations, Concerns, Humanist Society (Sterrett)
  • Ethics of AI, Wichita Advanced Learning Library (Castro)
  • AI Ethics, Humanist Society (Castro)