C.V. Summary for Benjamin Shaeffer
Ph.D. 1999, University of California, Santa Barbara. Anthony Brueckner, advisor. Title: Deontologism and Internalism in Epistemology
B.A. 1987, UC Santa Cruz.
I began at HSU as a Lecturer in 1994 and taught for a long time as a lecturer before having my position converted to tenure track assistant professor in 2002.
Following is an informal list of selected relevant activities. For a more full account, my complete c.v. is available.
I am the department's main teacher in epistemology, though colleagues also have formidable expertise. I developed the course on Race, Racism, and Philosophy, which is now a requirement for the major. Our course in ancient Greek philosophy and the aesthetics course are among my favorites as well. My interest in Wittgenstein has led to my teaching the seminar for the major (faculty rotate teaching this every six or seven semesters) on Wittgenstein, to leading one-credit reading groups on his works as overloads, and to pursuit of writing projects on Wittgensteinian topics. I also have worked with students one-to-one on intensive independent study, meeting weekly for an hour or more to go over primary texts argument by argument.
My service activities have been steady and varied. Here are a few, including a couple which antedate my being granted tenure. After years of activism in the faculty union, I am now the campus president of the union and the head of the union's Executive Committee or "E-Board." I am on the University Senate (my service on the Senate began with serving as a proxy in 2001) and the Senate Executive Committee. I served one term on the Humboldt County Human Rights Commission. I have curated the annual Junque Art show at the Morris Graves Museum. I've been the faculty advisor to the student philosophy club and on the curriculum committee for ethnic studies. I have been faculty adviser for other campus groups, including the student-led Green Party and an animal rights group. I have been a speaker in recent years for the annual Humboldt State Ethics Forum, organized and coordinated by Professor Mary Bockover, including the "Science and Spirituality" conference with Victor Stenger this last April.
My research while a lecturer included peer-reviewed presentations at regional and national conferences on epistemological topics and social constructionism. Since being granted tenure my scholarship has continued with similar presentations but with a shifting of interests to Wittgenstein and aesthetics. I have also contributed prepared commentaries at conferences. I have drafted a book prospectus and assembled materials for a text on race, racism, and philosophy.