Darryl Wright

Professor of Philosophy

My teaching and research are concentrated in moral and political philosophy. More specifically, I am interested in metaethical questions about the nature of moral normativity, in the relation of self-interest and morality, and in the basis and extent of political authority. In addition to general courses in ethics, the history of ethics, and political philosophy, I teach special topics seminars on “Morality and Self-Interest” and on “Classical Liberalism and Libertarianism.” My scholarship has ranged broadly over issues in metaethics, the history of ethics, and political philosophy. Recent work explores Ayn Rand’s moral and political thought, John Locke’s arguments for religious toleration, and the concept of “non-aggression” within libertarian theory.

Courses Taught

(Please refer to HSA Departmental Courses for this semester’s courses.)

• PHIL 108 HM Knowledge, Self, and Value
• PHIL 121 HM Ethical Theory
• PHIL 122 HM Ethics: Ancient and Modern
• PHIL 124 HM Morality and Self-Interest
• PHIL 125 HM Ethical Issues in Science and Engineering
• PHIL 129 HM Contemporary Moral Problems
• PHIL 130 HM Political Philosophy
• PHIL 138 HM Classical Liberalism and Libertarianism
• PHIL 179B HM Contemporary Moral Problems/Special Topics in Philosophy
• PHIL 179C HM Freedom of Expression/Special Topics in Philosophy