Faculty Profile
Amy McKiernan
(she/they)Assistant Professor of Philosophy; Director, Ethics Across Campus & the Curriculum (2017)
Contact Information
East College Room 204
https://dickinson.academia.edu/AmyMcKiernan
Bio
Amy teaches “Practical Ethics,” “Biomedical Ethics,” “Philosophy of Punishment,” "Environmental Ethics," and "Ethical Theory." She is currently writing a book titled, Self Care Ethics, due out in January 2025. Her research focuses on topics in practical ethics and feminist philosophy, with a focus on care ethics and moral responsibility. Amy also serves as the Director of the Ethics Across Campus & the Curriculum program at Dickinson. She welcomes students to contact her with questions about this program, or just to chat about Nietzsche or The Good Place.
Education
- B.A., The University of Scranton, 2007
- M.A., American University, 2011
- Ph.D., Vanderbilt University, 2017
2023-2024 Academic Year
Fall 2023
FYSM 100 First-Year Seminar
The First-Year Seminar (FYS) introduces students to Dickinson as a "community of inquiry" by developing habits of mind essential to liberal learning. Through the study of a compelling issue or broad topic chosen by their faculty member, students will:
- Critically analyze information and ideas
- Examine issues from multiple perspectives
- Discuss, debate and defend ideas, including one's own views, with clarity and reason
- Develop discernment, facility and ethical responsibility in using information, and
- Create clear academic writing
The small group seminar format of this course promotes discussion and interaction among students and their professor. In addition, the professor serves as students' initial academic advisor. This course does not duplicate in content any other course in the curriculum and may not be used to fulfill any other graduation requirement.
PHIL 104 Practical Ethics
This course introduces students to contemporary debates in practical ethics. Course materials investigate how theoretical approaches to ethics apply to practical issues, including discussions of animal ethics, environmental ethics, reproductive ethics, civil disobedience, and the ethics of mass incarceration and the death penalty. This course is best suited for students interested in thinking about the relationship between ethical theory and practice, with an emphasis on how power, privilege, and responsibility intersect in our everyday lives.
PHIL 220 Biomedical Ethics
A study of ethical issues arising in the context of medical practice, biomedical research, and health related policy making, with focus on the ethical concepts, theories and reasoning methods developed to clarify and resolve these issues. Prerequisite: one prior course in philosophy or permission of the instructor. This course is cross-listed as PMGT 220.
PHIL 500 Independent Study
Spring 2024
PHIL 104 Practical Ethics
This course introduces students to contemporary debates in practical ethics. Course materials investigate how theoretical approaches to ethics apply to practical issues, including discussions of animal ethics, environmental ethics, reproductive ethics, civil disobedience, and the ethics of mass incarceration and the death penalty. This course is best suited for students interested in thinking about the relationship between ethical theory and practice, with an emphasis on how power, privilege, and responsibility intersect in our everyday lives.
WGSS 301 Ethical Theory
Cross-listed with PHIL 302-01. This seminar will explore major issues or texts in classical or contemporary moral philosophy. Prerequisites: three prior courses in philosophy, at least two at the 200 level, or permission of the instructor.
PHIL 302 Ethical Theory
Cross-listed with WGSS 301-02.
PHIL 500 Independent Study