University of Tennessee

Philosophy Newsletter

Ergo, Fall 2026

Philosophy at Work in Our Lives

Graphic with two organic shapes containing images. One image is of Avery Kolers, head of the Department of Philosophy. The other contains a statue of a philosopher David Hume with an orange traffic cone on his head.

Uneasy Lies the Head

New philosophy Department Head Avery Kolers describes the vital role of UT philosophers in healthcare, housing, and other issues affecting lives every day.

Read Koler’s message

Philosophy for Career Success

A philosophy degree made Michael D. Greene (’02) stand out while working in commercial real estate, and he says this education is even more vital in the age of AI.

Read about Greene’s journey

Graphic in an organic shape of a student speaking and laughing with a professor during the Trauma and Art sessions of the philosophy Professional Responsibility course.

Philosophy as a Professional Skill

Assistant Professor Judith Carlisle’s courses empower students to examine, discuss, and explore topics they will face in their careers and the wider world.

Learn about Carlisle’s courses

Philosophy Student Spotlights

Bodily Injuries and Moral Injuries

PhD student Kaeleigh Damico is investigating minor moral harms that can accumulate and leave a lasting impact.

Read about Damico’s investigations

Choosing a Wider Career Path

As an undergraduate, Nandi Sarah Mofya has launched a new organization for philosophy students and found encouragement to do more than she ever imagined.

Read about Mofya’s journey

Philosophy Faculty Spotlights

Adam Cureton's image cut out in an organic shape.

Living Together Justly and Thoughtfully

In two recent books and new UT courses, Professor Adam Cureton examines questions of ethics, disability, and AI usage.

Read about Cureton’s work

Honoring our Past, Looking to the Future

Graber Remembered for Scholarship and Service

Professor Emeritus Glenn Graber was a leader in the field of medical ethics, mentored countless students, and served the wider community.

Read about Graber’s leadership

Honoring Betsy Postow

Nearly two decades after the death of Professor Betsy Postow, the department honors her memory and lasting impact.

Read about how the department is honoring Postow

Tennessee Teens Tackle Tough Topics in Ethics Bowl

The UT Department of Philosophy hosts an annual competition for high school students that requires critical thinking, moral reasoning, and respectful debate.

Learn more about the Ethics Bowl

Stay Connected with UT Philosophy

Follow the department on Facebook and Instagram, and watch the website and calendar for events and more. This fall the department will be restarting its signature conference—the Tennessee Values and Agency conference—with a focus on grief, trauma, anger and resilience, and will field a new Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl team.

Support the Department of Philosophy

Donations from our alumni and friends ensure we continue to be a university on the rise. Please support the research and student experiences in the Department of Philosophy. Help us light the way for our Volunteer community with your gift today!

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