Adventures in Philosophical Research: One Geek’s Journey
From CTLpedia
- Dave Yount
- 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 14, 2007
- LB 145 in the Elsner Library at MCC
I will describe what research I have already done, and what research I plan on doing, in order to write a book that compares the philosophies of Plato (well-known Greek philosopher and major philosophical figure) and Plotinus (lesser-known philosopher who influenced Augustine’s Catholic theology).
I have used searchable CD-ROMs of Plato and Aristotle’s complete works, made my own audio recordings on cassettes of my favorite Plotinus (Enneads) translation, read some Greek, compiled quotations from both philosophers, arranged by subject, chronologically, and by philosophical area, and have read many books and articles of secondary source material in order to research for this book. I will review these methods and describe where my project currently stands.
Dr. Dave Yount, professor of philosophy and chair of the Philosophy and Religious Studies Department, has a Ph.D. and a M.A. in philosophy from the University of Wisconsin- Madison, and a B.A. in philosophy and psychology from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Courses he has recently taught at MCC include: Introduction to Philosophy, Introduction to Ethical Theory, Contemporary Moral Issues, Medical and Bio-Ethics, Business Ethics, Environmental Ethics, and Plato. Dr. Yount has been a Co-Advisor for the MCC Philosophy Club since its founding in March 2003. He has served on the Admissions and Standards Committee since Fall 2002. Dr. Yount has participated in panel discussions concerning Cloning and the United Nations, and conducted a workshop on Critical Thinking for MCC Faculty. He has published a biography of Plotinus in Meet the Philosophers of Ancient Greece and is currently writing a book on the connection between Plato and Plotinus’ views. Dave’s academic interests lie in the philosophies of Plato, Plotinus, and Buddha. He is a lifetime member of the American Philosophical Association, a member of the Society for Ancient Greek Philosophy and the International Society for Neo-Platonic Studies.
