Jan Thomas, Chair
Office: Stabler Hall, Room 307
Phone: 501-569-3313
Email: jlthomas@ualr.edu
Introduction
I began teaching at UALR in 1994 when I was the only full-time philosopher in the Department. We now have 6 full-time faculty, 15 part-time faculty, and over 80 philosophy majors. It’s been an exciting and rewarding time, and the next few years look to be even better.
Teaching Interests
My teaching interests are quite varied. When I first came to UALR, I taught Medieval Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion, and Medical Ethics. Since then, Philosophy of Science, Epistemology, Critical Thinking, and Introduction to Philosophy have become the courses I typically teach. However, due to my current research interests (and my interest in creative writing, which was my undergraduate degree), I have also taught both Philosophy of Film and Philosophy of Fiction. The best part of teaching for me is the chance to introduce students to new ways of thinking about subjects that are so close to them they are often overlooked.
Research Interests
Like my teaching, my research interests are also quite varied. My dissertation was on Free Will, but I have also done some work in ethics, and I have recently turned my attention to the role of fiction in moral discourse.
Selected Professional Activities
- The Gravity of Moral Fiction
- Multiculturalism and Interdisciplinarity
- Getting the Right Analogy
- Euthyphro’s Other Choice
- What We Can Say About What We Can Do
Educational Activities
Ph.D. Philosophy
University of Arizona, Tucson
M.A. Philosophy
University of Arizona, Tucson
B.A. Creative Writing
University of Colorado, Boulder