Welcome.


I received my Ph.D. in
Philosophy from the University of Arkansas this May (2008). My interests are in ethical theory, particularly metaethics (and the issue of "moral realism"), moral dilemmas and conflicts, and issues about the proper conception of morality (i.e. what morality is "for"). I've also been working on issues concerning the nature of happiness and well-being. I'm interested in (and inspired by) the work of Wittgenstein. In my dissertation, on moral subjectivism and moral realism, I argue that a realistic account of morality is is compatible with there being a subjective aspect to moral value and decision-making. You can find some bits and pieces of some of the lines of thought I've been pursuing on my Essays page. Or take a look at what I've been doing in my spare time at my Happiness & Philosophy blog. (Sorry, it's just more philosophy...)


In addition to my studies, I'm also teaching Introduction to Philosophy course at the Northwest Arkansas Community College this summer. I am also the Editorial Assistant for the journal Philosophical Topics. Starting in August, I will be taking up a temporary Assistant Professor position in the Philosophy and Religion Department at Truman State University.


Feel free to e-mail me at: mpianal@uark.edu


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