Deborah S. Mower
Bio
I specialize in moral psychology, applied ethics and public policy, and moral education. I have special interests in how moral education (in particular) and a liberal arts general education (more broadly) contribute to the development of moral sensitivity and civility, which I think are each essential for citizens in their private lives and a well-functioning democracy. Because of these interests, I mine literature from psychology and philosophy (Eastern, Western, and cross-cultural) for insights on the teaching of ethics, the development of character, the nature of public discourse, moral conviction, and the navigation of disagreement.
Education
I received my B.A. in Philosophy from Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR and greatly value the experience of a classic liberal arts education. From Oregon, I went next to Wisconsin for my M.A. and Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Wisconsin—Madison. Studying philosophy on the shores of Lake Mendota cannot be beat!
Employment
I was a member of the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Youngstown State University in Youngstown, Ohio from 2007 to 2016. In 2016, I moved to Oxford, Mississippi to the Department of Philosophy and Religion at the University of Mississippi. Although I miss snow during the holidays, I will never tire of seeing camellia blooms in December.