Donald Abel

Professor of Philosophy

B.A., Gonzaga University
M.A., Tulane University
Ph.L., St. Michael's Institute
M.Div., Loyola University of Chicago
Ph.D., Northwestern University

Programs: Philosophy

My primary area of research is the philosophy of human nature. I take an interdisciplinary approach to the topic, attempting to integrate insights from psychology, sociobiology, cognitive science and Asian thought.

I am also interested in ethical theories (which I see as ultimately grounded in theories of human nature) and the history of philosophy (especially the medieval period). I enjoy introducing students to philosophy and publishing pedagogical materials that make primary sources accessible to students.

My publications include the McGraw-Hill textbooks "Theories of Human Nature: Classical and Contemporary Readings," "Fifty Readings in Philosophy" and "Fifty Readings Plus: An Introduction to Philosophy."

Since its beginning in 1994, I have been the editor of Discourses, an electronic database of philosophy readings in Primis, McGraw-Hill's custom publishing system.

Courses
PHIL 120 Philosophy of Human Nature
PHIL 213 Medieval Philosophy
PHIL 220 The Soul
PHIL 302 Consciousness
PHIL 309 Depth Psychology and Ethics
PHIL 315 Ethics