Timothy Shanahan, Ph.D.
Professor of Philosophy
Media
Biography
In addition, for many years I’ve used films to introduce students to Philosophy. A few years ago I was struck by the great number of deep philosophical issues that arise in Ridley Scott’s brilliant sci-fi film, Blade Runner (1982) that had apparently gone unnoticed by most viewers and even by most philosophers. I decided to explore these issues in depth. The result is Philosophy and Blade Runner (Houndmills, UK: Palgrave Macmillan, 2014) —- released on June 25 — thirty-two years to the day after Blade Runner first hit US theaters. Since then, I've done similar work on the sequel, Blade Runner 2049. Check out my LMU webpage for more details!
Education
University of Notre Dame
Ph.D.
Philosophy
1988
University of Notre Dame
M.A.
History and Philosophy of Science
1986
State University of New York at Cortland
B.Sc.
Biology
1983
State University of New York at Cortland
B.A.
Philosophy
1983
Social
Areas of Expertise
Accomplishments
Professor of Philosophy
Loyola Marymount University, 2000-present
Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts Daum Professorship
Loyola Marymount University, 2009-2010
Chair of the Department of Philosophy
Loyola Marymount University, 2002-2006
Robert H. Taylor, S.J. Chair in Philosophy
Loyola Marymount University, 2002-2004
Associate Professor of Philosophy
Loyola Marymount University, 1995-2000
Postdoctoral Fellow, Science Studies Program
University of California, San Diego, 1994-1995
Assistant Professor of Philosophy
Loyola Marymount University, 1988-1995
Senior Teaching Fellow
University of Notre Dame, 1987-1988
Instructor in Philosophy
University of Notre Dame, 1984-1987
Affiliations
- Philosophy of Science Association (PSA)
- International Society for History, Philosophy, and Social Studies of Biology (ISHPSSB)
- Alpha Sigma Nu: The Jesuit Honor Society
Links
Languages
- American English (rudimentary)
Testimonials
LMU Student
Loyola Marymount University
"T-Shan is the boss of all bosses. His lectures are engaging and easy to understand, and he goes out of his way to make sure that you and he are on the same page in terms of expectations/grading. On top of that, he's just a chill instructor in general - he takes dry, abstract philosophy and makes it pretty easy to click with."
LMU Student
Loyola Marymount University
"Shanahan is the man! He has an amazing ability to not let you know what he thinks, and as soon as a premature band wagon towards a particular position gets going you can expect Shanahan to bring it to a grinding halt. Meticulous in methodology. Transparent about expectations. Totally accommodating if you are having trouble. Clear and honest.
LMU Student
Loyola Marymount University
"One of the most interesting classes i have ever taken. Shanahan makes you consider philosophical positions you never would have considered. It is an essential class for anyone going into the field of science. Attendance is mandatory, however, you will find yourself not wanting to miss class."
Courses
Courses Taught
HNRS 104| Natural Philosophy
HNRS 160| Honors Philosophical Inquiry
HNRS 240| On the Nature of Things
PHIL 160| Philosophy of Human Nature
PHIL 198| Philosophical Inquiry
PHIL 220| Critical Thinking
PHIL 254| Philosophy and Film
PHIL 320| Greek & Roman Moral Philosophy
PHIL 341| Philosophy of Science
PHIL 342| Philosophy of Biology
PHIL 385| Modern Philosophy: Descartes to Hume
PHIL 398| Irish Moral & Political Philosophy
PHIL 398| Immortality & the Meaning of Life
PHIL 398| The Ethical Brain & the Moral Life
PHIL 451| Cognitive Relativism
PHIL 461| Epistemology
PHIL 463| Metaphysics & Mind
PHIL 464| Philosophy of Mind
PHIL 1800| Philosophical Inquiry (4 units)
PHIL 4920| Happiness: Philosophical & Psychological Perspectives (4 units)
PHIL 628| Hume’s Philosophy of Religion (M.A. Program)
PHIL 666| Philosophy of Science (M.A. Program)
PHIL 667| Darwinism & Christian Belief (M.A. Program)
