Biography
Dr. Michael Barnwell joined the department in fall of 2005. He has a dual Ph.D. in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Yale University. His primary fields of study are medieval philosophy and philosophy of religion, with accompanying interests in ancient philosophy, action theory and theology.
Dr. Barnwell’s book, The Problem of Negligent Omissions: Medieval Action Theories to the Rescue (Brill, 2010), demonstrates how voluntariness can be ascribed to negligent omissions by appealing to concepts inherent in medieval philosophy. He has also published scholarly articles in American Catholic Philosophical Quarterly, Religious Studies, International Journal for the Philosophy of Religion, The Saint Anselm Journal, Southwest Philosophical Studies. In addition, he has published several book chapters and 鈥淔atherhood and the Meaning of Life鈥� in Fatherhood & Philosophy (Wiley-Blackwell, 2011).
Dr. Barnwell鈥檚 has recently turned his focus on using philosophical tools to help businesses succeed through creating the subdiscipline of 鈥減hilosophical business consulting.鈥�
Focus of Teaching
Dr. Barnwell regularly teaches introduction to philosophy, ethics, ancient philosophy, medieval philosophy, and philosophy of religion.
Current Research
Dr. Michael D. Barnwell’s current research is focused on how the tools of philosophy can be used to help solve business problems related to the so-called 鈥渟oft skills鈥� such as critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and ethical behavior. He is also researching philosophical and theological questions surrounding encounters with presumed divine or transcendent entities, particularly the paradoxical ways they are associated with both perceived calling and personal suffering.
Current Involvement
- Arts & Sciences Curriculum Committee
- Board member, Lewiston-Porter International Business Academy
- Director of the University Honors Program
Educational Background
- Ph.D., Yale University (2005)
- M.Div., Yale University (1999)
- B.A., Wake Forest University (1993)