Matthew Pianalto

MATTHEW PIANALTO
Department of Philosophy & Religion | Eastern Kentucky University

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Welcome. Current (or prospective) students looking for information about classes I'm teaching should see the Classes page.

Prior to joining the Department of Philosophy & Religion at EKU, I taught philosophy courses at Truman State University, the University of Arkansas (where I received my Ph.D. in Philosophy in May 2008), and Northwest Arkansas Community College.

My interests are in ethical theory. Recently, I've turned my attention to the nature and value of moral conviction(s), and the relation of moral convictions to issues including integrity, moral disagreement, toleration, and compromise. The writings of Wittgenstein greatly interest (and inspire) me. You will find papers reflecting some of my recent lines of thought on my Research page, and germs of ideas in progress at The HEP Spot.

My office is located in Case Annex, Room 259. My spring office hours are Mon. & Wed. 1-2, Tu. & Th. 12:30-1:30, and by appt.

Recent news:

I'm presenting "Understanding Without Agreement" at the Ohio Philosophical Association Annual Meeting on April 10, 2010, at Northern Ohio University. A current version of the paper is here.
I'm presenting "Moral Reflection and the Undiscussable" at the 36th Annual Conference on Value Inquiry, April 16-18, 2010, hosted by Southern Illinois University. A current version of the paper is here.
I am co-editing the Spring 2010 issue of Philosophical Topics with Edward Minar. The issue will be on ethics, and I am very excited about the lineup of philosophers who've agreed to contribute. More info as things proceed.
I recently presented a paper entitled "Moral Conviction and Disagreement: Getting Beyond (Negative) Toleration" at the 2009 Concerned Philosophers for Peace Conference, hosted by the University of Dayton (Ohio), in November. A draft is here.