We Need More Good in the World
There is a lot of good in the world, but there can be a lot more. As a Welfarist and Utilitarian, I care a lot (really, solely) about promoting the good. And that is what I plan to do here.
I am a philosopher and educator with a focus on how we can design a world that promotes well-being. In political philosophy, I focus on how a commitment to utilitarianism leads us to support liberal political systems. In technology ethics, I emphasize how the design of technology can help us better promote our own good and the good of all. And in my teaching, I aim to use evidence-based practices that provide students an opportunity to develop the skills necessary to benefit the world and live better lives themselves.
1. A Diverse Community
When I decided to start this whole thing, I was tempted to specialize it by, for instance, only focusing on political philosophy. But I find it difficult to not write about technology and about learning. I could have created separate spaces for each of those, but I think that sort of silo-ing of thought is counterproductive.
So, my hope in combining my seemingly diverse interests is to encourage diverse voices to enter into the conversation. At the end of the day, whether we are designing political institutions, technology, or courses, we are engaged in design that is aimed at promoting the good. So, I think that educators have a lot to teach to engineers and political philosophers, as well as a lot to learn.
3. What to Expect
Given all my professional commitments, I cannot commit to regular posts. You should expect the unexpected. Some weeks, I may write something each day. Other times I might go a month without anything new. I know this is not a good way to keep a readership, but so it goes.