I attended College of Marin from 1982 to 1984 before transferring to San Francisco State University, where I earned a BA in sociology and an MA in philosophy. In 2000, I earned a Ph.D. in philosophy from State University of New York, Buffalo. From 2000 to 2005, I taught at Corning Community College, in Corning New York. In the Fall of 2005, I was happy to return to the Bay Area in order to teach at the College of Marin.
My philosophical interests center on the problem of nihilism and its cultural manifestations. I am the author of The Nihilist's Notebook (Moralinefree Publishing, 1996), Laughing at Nothing: Humor as a Response to Nihilism (SUNY Press, 2003), The Path of Philosophy: Truth, Wonder and Distress (Wadsworth, 2012), The Nihilist: A Philosophical Novel (No Frills Buffalo, 2015), and Cinematic Nihilism: Encounters, Confrontations, Overcomings (Edinburgh University Press, 2017). I am the coeditor (with Scott Lukas) of Fear, Cultural Anxiety and Transformation: Horror, Science Fiction, and Fantasy Films Remade (Lexington Books, 2009).
I am a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor's Award For Excellence in Scholarship and Creativity, have served as an NEH Fellow, and currently serve as an Associate Editor for the Philosophy of Humor Yearbook (de Gruyter).
Online Learning Courses
PHIL 110: Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 118: Aesthetics
Tips for Success in my Online Classes
Students enrolled in my courses should expect to spend about 6 hours a week on the course. Activities include reading, quizzes, participation in online discussions and critical thinking essays. Plan on logging into the class 2-3 times each week to participate and complete coursework.
Additional information
If you have any questions about my courses do not hesitate to contact me. Email is the best way to reach me.
