For more information on the Colloquium series, please contact Dr. Tullmann:
For information on other upcoming events, please contact the Philosophy Department:
Philosophy Events Calendar
Spring 2025 Colloquium Series
The Colloquium Series is an effort to build intellectual community within and beyond Curriculum & Instruction. Each semester the colloquium organizes several events, including guest speakers, panel discussions, feedback on in-progress work, and mini-conferences.
Andrew Winters, Northern Arizona University February 20, 2025 | Liberal Arts (Bldg. 18), Rm. 201 | 3:45pm to 5:15pm Traditional substance metaphysics treats reality as composed of enduring substances with changeable properties. This view underlies many theories of life’s meaning, including Thaddeus Metz’s (2013) fundamentality theory, which argues that activities become meaningful by orienting toward fundamental features of reality. Susan Wolf’s (2015) hybrid theory suggests meaning requires both subjective attraction and objective worth, while David Benatar (2017) argues for cosmic nihilism based on our cosmic insignificance. These approaches, I argue, misunderstand the nature of reality and, therefore, meaning itself. I argue that understanding life’s meaning requires first understanding life as fundamentally processual rather than substantial. Drawing on the natural sciences, I illustrate how apparently stable entities emerge from more basic processes of interaction and change. While process philosophers like Henri Bergson (1911), Charles Hartshorne (1984), and Alfred North Whitehead (1929) have offered important insights, their accounts rely respectively on vitalism, divine preservation, and complex metaphysical speculation. I propose instead a naturalistic process account with three criteria for meaningful processes: progressive development (generating novel possibilities), creative integration (synthesizing diverse elements into more complex wholes), and valuable contribution (enhancing broader patterns of development). This approach grounds meaning in observable natural processes while providing practical criteria for identifying and enhancing meaningful engagement. By showing how local processes participate in broader patterns of development, it resolves traditional tensions between subjective and objective aspects of meaning, individual and collective development, and local and cosmic significance. Angela Bischof, Northern Arizona University March 20, 2025 | Liberal Arts (Bldg. 18), Rm. 201 | 3:45pm to 5:15pm Tom Regan argues for egalitarian nonhuman animal (hereafter ‘animal’) rights. He claims that the “wrong isn’t the pain, isn’t the suffering, isn’t the deprivation” (Regan, 2012, p. 31) but rather it is “the system that allows us to view animals as our resources” (Regan, 2012, p. 31). Ascribing inherent value to animals, where “all possess it equally, and all have an equal right to be treated with respect” (Regan, 2012, p. 36) elevates the moral status of animals. Thus, Regan argues against animal industries like commercial agriculture, biomedical research, and hunting, not because the animals used in these industries suffer, but because they are not treated in ways that respect their inherent worth. I argue that what matters morally is not that we use animals as resources, but whether we are able to maintain equal respect for the animals. Using an indigenous framework, I argue that hunting is morally permissible for indigenous peoples because they ascribe equal respect to animals. I appeal to the philosophy of three indigenous tribes—the Lac du Flambeau, Hopi, and Kluane Nations—to show that indigenous hunting practices honor animals’ inherent value. As such, these indigenous communities (and probably many more) incorporate animals into a broadly egalitarian account that better aligns with the many ways that humans and animals interact with each other in the world. Melinda Fagan, University of Utah March 3, 2025 | Biological Sciences (Bldg. 21), Rm. 256 and Zoom | 2:20pm to 3:35pm Seminar Abstract: Stem cell biology, like many other lab-based life science fields, is organized around key experimental systems and models. This talk focuses on two such models, which have broader social as well as scientific significance: embryo models and organoids. These living models raise new questions for philosophers as well as scientists. One such concerns targets: what exactly are they models of? The answer, I argue, suggests an image of science very different from traditional philosophy of science: an interrelated network of models, collectively advancing understanding of an open-ended range of targets. I’ll explore this networked, communitarian image of science, and discuss some of its philosophical implications. For questions and more information on this event, please contact Dr. Ron Gray by email at Ron.Gray@nau.edu. Michael Steven Wilson and Dr. José Antonio Lucero March 18, 2025 | Liberal Arts (Bldg. 18), Rm. 120 | 6pm Studying abroad opens the door to a world of immense possibilities, from learning about and interacting with the world to career readiness to deeper connection and understanding of your major. The programs highlighted here are faculty-led programs designed and led by members of the Philosophy department. For more information on study abroad, please visit the NAU Education Abroad website or email Education Abroad at studyabroad@nau.edu. James Joiner and Julie Piering | Program Dates: June 2-25, 2025 Highlights of this incredible opportunity include exploring historic Athens while retracing the steps of Plato and Aristotle, watching an ancient Greek tragedy in the breathtaking ancient amphitheater of Epidaurus, visiting several temples that once heard the voices of some of history’s renowned philosophers, and so much more! If you are interested, send an email to the trip leader James.Joiner@nau.edu to get on the waitlist and receive crucial updates and information. Jeffrey Downard | Program Dates: June 5-18, 2025 One of the program highlights is a focus on marine conservation. Throughout the program, you will work collaboratively on creating a short documentary about Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)—a great chance to develop practical skills while contributing to environmental conservation efforts. Dr. Downard will host several informational sessions throughout the semester to answer any questions and help you learn more about this exciting program.A Process Metaphysics for a Meaningful Life
Reclaiming Respect: An Indigenous Response to Regan
Other Philosophy Events
Models of Development, Models of Knowledge: Philosophical Implications of ‘Living Experiments’
The STEM Education Seminar Series will be hosting Dr. Melinda Fagan who will be discussing topics relating to the philosophy of science.What Side Are You On? A Tohono O’odham Life Across Borders
Join Latin American Studies, Philosophy, Global Languages and Cultures, Sociology, Anthropology and the Martin-Springer Institute for a presentation and discussion of the culture and lifestyle of the Tohono O’odham Nation, whose reservation lies on the border between the U.S. and Mexico, presented by co-authors, Michael Steven Wilson and Dr. José Antonio Lucero.Study Abroad Opportunities
NAU in Greece: Soulcraft and Statecraft
Experience the beauty, history, and culture of Greece this summer! Connect ancient Greek philosophy to modern ethics and politics while experiencing the unmatched beauty of Greece by visiting world-class historical sites, beaches, museums, & islands. This program offers a unique mix of education, adventure, and cultural immersion. Earn 3 credits in either Philosophy (PHI 240) or Politics & International Affairs (POS 423)—or an independent study tailored to your interests.NAU in the British Isles: Philosophy, Environmental Ethics and Marine Conservation
Spend your summer in the magnificent British Isles while earning PHI credit with NAU in the British Isles led by Dr. Downard! This unique opportunity combines hands-on learning with real-world impact, offering the option to take one of three courses that explore the intersection of law, public policy, and ethics.