Hello!
I am an instructor at Gannon University, having a blast teaching mostly philosophy classes to great students. I moved here in 2009 with my wife Jessica Hartnett, due to her being hired as a Psychology/ Applied Stats professor. We met in graduate school back in DeKalb, Illinois, although all who know me can tell pretty quickly that I am originally from the East Coast---Long Island, NY to be exact. I'm also a certified mathematics teacher, and have done a bunch of other things (as you can see some of the other jobs below). I love to work, but teaching philosophy is both work and play for me. You'll catch my enthusiasm in my classes, I'm sure.
Why philosophy? Well, it started with an authority complex at a young age (and a subsequent desire to become my own authority on important matters of wisdom), and ended with a lifelong immersion into the great problems of philosophy. I am humbled by my own ignorance, and at the same time cherish seeking to reach and stretch the limits to knowledge. I value individual responsibility in forming beliefs, maxims, and values, and approaching the world with a critical, authentic, and yet appreciative eye. I believe that with nurtured critical thought and depth of character and meaning in life we are capable of being even more awesome than we already are. I have a deep love for the potential of humanity itself, and believe that philosophy should play a large role in our quest for wisdom about ourselves and the world we live in.
Why teaching? I get to share everything I'm interested in, and sprinkle the insights I've gathered along the way in my own humble quest for wisdom. In the teaching experience, I get to spread the joy and intrinsic motivation that comes along with grasping insights. I also get to help facilitate critical thought about the all-important things in life, and watch so many bright minds at work. Also, I can ALWAYS do better, and I'm constantly modifying my classes and gathering more knowledge to share. Learning subjects that you are interested in for the sake of teaching the material might be the BEST experience for true lifelong learners. If you are one, I suggest giving teaching a shot!
Things I enjoy: Chilling out with my wife, dog, and little guy. They are pretty awesome. And running. It's one of those deep joys only runners understand. I also listen to early-90s rock and progressive rock, and I love having my music in the background of my activities or simply sitting back for a meditative listen to my turntable... No doubt, there is nothing better than a cup of coffee and reading a good book. Of course I'm always buried in philosophy texts, but I also really dig literature Classics and some math-stuff. With the math, I find myself deeply enjoying proofs, solving complex equations, and of course logic games. With the Classics, I have a goal of reading almost all of the "Great Books" before I die. And I can't leave out writing! I think that I've lost my poetic "abilities", but I'm always taking a bit of time to work on a few long-term writing projects. And eating at restaurants! As long as my order doesn't have lactose or MSG in it, it's pure joy for me. Finally, I'm a big-time New York Mets fan. If you ever want to sidetrack me, bring them up. And 'finally' number 2, definitely bowling. I should probably stop now. Or after including Skyping with family and distant friends. Or long drives. Or my wii baseball game. Or the horror movie genre and cartoons...
Come take one of my classes and have a blast with me!