A new twist on an old course

Posted on March 7, 2015 by pppauwt

TPHIL 200 – Introduction to the Philosophy of Human Rights (Spring 2015)

As it always has, TPHIL 200 introduces diverse philosophical views on humanity, good, rights, universality and other concepts that have influenced our current understanding of human rights. It provides an overview of basic concepts in these areas, relating them to selected philosophical schools and thinkers, and discusses how they impact contemporary initiatives on human rights. However, during spring quarter 2015, we will focus on current writings on the philosophy of human rights and cosmopolitanism, particularly on the writings of contemporary German philosopher, Rainer Forst. Students will then engage in a direct dialogue with Forst during his visit to the University of Washington in April. Continue reading →

New faculty joining PPPA

Posted on July 25, 2014 by pppauwt

We wish to welcome three new faculty members who will be joining us this coming year. Jeramy Gee, who is now completing his PhD in Philosophy from UW Seattle, will be teaching philosophy courses. Jeramy’s interest in philosophy was sparked during a schoolyard discussion about the existence of God with a friend, and he’s been interested in

philosophical questions ever since. His research focuses on understanding sentiments like anger and hatred when they are directed at wrongdoers, and the moral status of these attitudes. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to join the University of Washington, Tacoma this fall to teach introduction to philosophy, practical reasoning, and courses in ethics. The interdisciplinary character of IAS is also exciting and I look forward to great conversations with my new colleagues.”

Ishita Nandi will also be joining PPPA this Fall. Ishita earned her PhD in Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her research focuses on labor and economic growth theory. Her current research is examining wage inequality between men and women in the United States. Ishita is a seasoned instructor, bringing with her over ten years of teaching experience. For the past four years, she has been a faculty member at Oakland Community College. Next year she will teach courses in economic principles, public policy, and development economics. Says Ishita: “Teaching has been in my family for generations and I am proud to continue this tradition by being a mentor and teacher to the bright and dedicated students of UW Tacoma.”

Finally, Andrew Cockrell will join the PPPA faculty this January. Andrew has an MPhil from Oxford University, England and is currently completing his PhD at the University of Washington, Seattle. Andrew is a political psychologist who studies emotion in international conflict. He is a recipient of the 2011 UW Excellence in Teaching Award and will teach Introduction to International Relations and Introduction to Globalization both in the winter as well as the spring quarter.

Andreas Neiderberger speaks at Philosophy Roundtable events

Posted on May 25, 2014 by pppauwt

As part of this year’s Philosophy Roundtable, Andreas Neiderberger, Professor of Political and Social Philosophy at Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany spoke at UW Tacoma and Seattle in April. AT UW Tacoma he spoke of the theme of “Human Rights & Global Constitutionalism,” and at UW Seattle he discussed “Are Human Rights Moral Rights?” While in the Puget Sound area, he also attended a music recital at the University of Puget Sound, and spoke to the Research Group on Human Rights in the Suzzallo Library at UW Seattle. His talks were part of the Interdisciplinary Research Cluster Human Interactions and Normative Innovation (HI-NORM). His talks were made possible by support from PPPA as well as the Simpson Center for the Humanities, and the UW Seattle Department of Philosophy.

Upcoming Events

Posted on March 1, 2014 by pppauwt

April 10 – Middle East and Africa Seminar Series, with Mr. Faisal Roble. “Post Civil War Somalia: Challenges and Opportunities” 4- 6 pm in Carwein Auditorium.
April 15 – Film & Panel Discussion- “Buddhism After the Tsunami: The Souls of Zen.” 3/11 Japan Special. 6-8 pm in Carwein Auditorium
April 23 – Middle East and Africa Seminar Series, with Professor James Long. “Electoral Fraud and Political Violence in Africa.” 12:30 (Location TBD)
April 28 – Philosophy Roundtable, with Professor Rob Crawford. Topic: “War and Legitimacy: Why Accountability for US Torture Failed”. 4:00-5:30 pm in the Chihuly Room, Snoqualmie Library Building,.
April 30 – PPPA Internship Event and Paper Prize Presentation. 12:30 pm in the Jane Russell Commons.
May 7 – Middle East and Africa Seminar Series, with Professor Nader Hashemi. “Is Rouhani an Iranian Gorbachev?” 4pm in the Tacoma Room.
May 15 – PPPA Seminar by Paper Prize winner. 12:30 pm in the Tacoma Room.
May 29 – Middle East and Africa Seminar Series, with Michael Wotherspoon. “Politics, Ethnicity and the Press in Kyrgyzstan.” 12:30 pm in the Tacoma Room.