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Dr. David M. Kaplan

Chair

University of North Texas

Department of Philosophy and Religion

(940) 565-3521

Email: David.Kaplan@unt.edu

Education

  • PhD, Fordham University, 1998
    Major: Philosophy
  • MA, Fordham University, 1993
    Major: Philosophy
  • BA, Tulane University, 1988
    Major: Philosophy

Professional Positions

  • Associate Professor, University of North Texas. University of North Texas. (2011 - Present).
  • Assistant Professor, University of North Texas. University of North Texas. (2005 - 2011).
  • Visiting Assistant Professor, Polytechnic University, Brooklyn. Polytechnic University, Brooklyn. (1999 - 2005).
  • Adjunct Instructor, Hofstra University. Hofstra University. (1996 - 1998).

Professional Memberships

  • American Philosophical Association. (Present).
  • Society for Phenomenology and Existential Philosophy. (Present).
  • Society for Philosophy and Technology. (Present).
  • Society for Ricoeur Studies. (2005 - Present).

Teaching

Teaching Experience

    University of North Texas

  • PHIL 1800 - Philosophy of Self, 1 course.
  • PHIL 2500 - Introduction to Contemporary Environmental Issues, 1 course.
  • PHIL 2600 - Ethics in Science, 2 courses.
  • PHIL 3100 - Aesthetics, 3 courses.
  • PHIL 3120 - Social and Political Philosophy, 2 courses.
  • PHIL 3310 - Ancient Philosophy, 3 courses.
  • PHIL 3330 - Modern Philosophy, 2 courses.
  • PHIL 3400 - Ethical Theory, 5 courses.
  • PHIL 3450 - Philosophy of Technology, 2 courses.
  • PHIL 3900 - Philosophy of Food, 4 courses.
  • PHIL 4300 - Philosophy of Food, 9 courses.
  • PHIL 4400 - Metaphysics, 1 course.
  • PHIL 4600 - Phenomenology, 3 courses.
  • PHIL 4900 - Special Problems, 12 courses.
  • PHIL 4910 - Special Problems, 3 courses.
  • PHIL 4960 - Proseminar in Philosophy, 2 courses.
  • PHIL 4970 - Philosophy Capstone, 9 courses.
  • PHIL 5100 - Ancient Philosophy, 1 course.
  • PHIL 5250 - Topics in the History of Philosophy, 2 courses.
  • PHIL 5400 - Seminar in Ethical Theory, 1 course.
  • PHIL 5500 - Philosophy of Science and Technology, 1 course.
  • PHIL 5900 - Special Problems, 18 courses.
  • PHIL 5910 - Special Problems, 5 courses.
  • PHIL 5950 - Master's Thesis, 10 courses.
  • PHIL 5960 - Seminar in Problems of Philosophy, 3 courses.
  • PHIL 6100 - Aesthetics, 1 course.
  • PHIL 6120 - Social and Political Philosophy, 1 course.
  • PHIL 6250 - Aesthetics, 2 courses.
  • PHIL 6760 - Topics in Environmental Philosophy, 2 courses.
  • PHIL 6900 - Special Problems, 12 courses.
  • PHIL 6910 - Special Problems, 2 courses.
  • PHIL 6950 - Doctoral Dissertation, 27 courses.
  • PHIL 6960 - Semester in Problems of Philosophy, 1 course.

Teaching at Other Institutions

  • University of Gastronomic Sciences, Pollenzo Italy, Philosophy of Food, Fall 2018.
  • University of Gastronomic Sciences, Pollenzo Italy, Philosophy of Food, Spring 2017.

Directed Student Learning

  • Dissertation Committee Chair, Philosophy and Religion. (2018).
  • Dissertation Committee Chair, Philosophy and Religion. (2018).
  • Dissertation Committee Chair, Philosophy and Religion. (2018).
  • Dissertation Committee Chair, "Dissertation," Philosophy and Religion. (2010 - April 2020).
  • Dissertation Committee Chair, "Dissertation," Philosophy and Religion. (2008 - February 2020).
  • Dissertation Committee Chair, "Dissertation," Philosophy and Religion. (2010 - March 2019).
  • Dissertation Committee Chair, Philosophy and Religion. (2008 - 2018).
  • Dissertation Committee Chair, "Dissertation," Philosophy and Religion. (2010 - March 2018).
  • Master's Thesis Committee Chair, "Thesis," Philosophy and Religion. (2008 - 2010).

Research

Published Intellectual Contributions

    Book

  • Kaplan, D.M. (2020). Food Philosophy. Columbia University Press.
  • Kaplan, D.M. (2019). Encyclopedia of Food and Agricultural Ethics, 2nd edition.
  • Kaplan, D.M. (2017). Philosophy, Technology, and the Environment.
  • David M. Kaplan and Paul P. Thompson. (2014). Encyclopedia of Food and Agricultural Ethics.
  • David M. Kaplan. (2012). The Philosophy of Food.
  • David M. Kaplan. (2010). Readings in the Philosophy of Technology, 2nd edition.
  • David M. Kaplan. (2008). Reading Ricoeur.
  • David M. Kaplan. (2003). Ricoeur's Critical Theory.
  • Book Chapter

  • Kaplan, D.M., Reijers, W., , A.R., Coeckelbergh, M. Ricoeur's Critical Theory of Technology. Interpreting Technology: Ricoeur on Questions Concerning Ethics and Technology. Rowman & Littlefield.
  • Kaplan, D.M. (2016). "Food and Technology." In Routledge Handbook of Food Ethics. Routledge.
  • Kaplan, D.M. (2015). "Narratives of Food, Agriculture, and the Environment." In Oxford Handbook of Environmental Ethics. Oxford University Press.
  • Kaplan, D.M. (2015). "What Wrong with Artificial Ingredients?" In Philosophy Comes to Dinner. Routledge.
  • Kaplan, D.M. (2014). "Introduction to Food Ethics." In Food Ethics.
  • Philip Brey, Adam Briggle, and Edward Spence, ed.. (2012). "What's Wrong with Processed Food?" In The Good Life in a Technological Age.
  • Farhang Erfani. (2011). "Paul Ricoeur and the Philosophy of Technology." In Paul Ricoeur (1913-2005): Remembering a Life, Continuing the Work.
  • George H. Taylor and Francis J. Mootz III, ed.. (2011). "Thing Hermeneutics." In Gadamer and Ricoeur: Critical Horizons for Contemporary Hermeneutics.
  • Brian Treanor and Henry Isaac Venema ed.. (2010). "Paul Ricoeur and Development Ethics." In A Passion for the Possible: Thinking With Paul Ricoeur.
  • J. Olsen, S. Pederson, and V. Hendricks. (2009). "Agricultural Ethics." In A Companion to Philosophy of Technology.
  • J. Olsen, S. Pederson, and V. Hendricks. (2009). "Food Ethics." In A Companion to Philosophy of Technology.
  • J. Olsen, S. Pederson, and V. Hendricks. (2009). "Technology and Capitalism." In A Companion to Philosophy of Technology.
  • J. Olsen, S. Pederson, and V. Hendricks. (2009). "Technology and Globalization." In A Companion to Philosophy of Technology.
  • J. Olsen, E. Selinger, S. Riis, ed.. (2008). "How to Read Technology Critically,".
  • J. Olsen, E. Selinger, S. Riis. (2008). "How to Read Technology Critically." In New Waves in Philosophy of Technology.
  • David M. Kaplan, ed.. (2008). "Ricoeur's Critical Theory,".
  • Frederick Adams, ed. (2007). "What's Wrong With Functional Foods?".
  • Andrzej Wiercinski, ed.. (2005). "Ricoeur's Theory of Truth: From Phenomenology to Communicative Action." In The Hermeneutic Turn in Phenomenology.
  • Frederick Adams, ed.. (2004). "What's Wrong With Genetically Modified Food?".
  • Book Review

  • John Hall, William Schweiker, W. David Hall. (2004). Paul Ricoeur and Contemporary Moral Thought.
  • Jean-Pierre Changeux & Paul Ricoeur. (2004). What Makes Us Think ?.
  • Encyclopedia Article

  • Kaplan, D.M. Food. Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy Online. Routledge.
  • Kaplan, D.M. (2014). "Food Ethics," entry in Encyclopedia of Science, Technology, and Ethics, 2nd edition. MacMillan Publishers.
  • J. Baird Callicott and Robert Frodeman. (2008). "Food," entry in Encyclopedia of Environmental Ethics and Philosophy.
  • Donald Borchert. (2006). "Paul Ricoeur," entry in Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Second Edition.
  • Carl Mitcham. (2005). "Herbert Marcuse," entry in Encyclopedia of Science, Technology, and Ethics.
  • Carl Mitcham. (2005). "The World Trade Organization," entry in Encyclopedia of Science, Technology, and Ethics.
  • Journal Article

  • Kaplan, D.M. (2021). Hunger Hermeneutics. Topoi. 39 (4)
  • Kaplan, D.M. (2009). "What Things Still Don't Do,".
  • Kaplan, D.M. (2007). "Paul Ricoeur and the Nazis". Research in Phenomenology. 37 (2)
  • Kaplan, D.M. (2007). "Paul Ricoeur and the Philosophy of Technology,". Journal of French Philosophy. 16 (2)

Presentations Given

  • "Real Food, Fake Food," Greater Philadelphia Philosophy Consortium, Philadelphia, PA: March, 2010., (2010 - 2010).
  • "What's Wrong with Processed Food?" Workshop titled, Technology and the Environment, University of North Texas: May, 2010., (2010 - 2010).
  • Commentary on "Paul Ricoeur and bell hooks on the Development of Self-Esteem," a paper by Scott Davidson, North Texas Philosophical Association, University of North Texas: April, 2010., (2010 - 2010).
  • "Narrative-Deliberative Democracy," Society for Ricoeur Studies/SPEP, Arlington, VA: October, 2009., (2009 - 2009).
  • "The 'Who?' and the 'What?' of Technology," Society for Philosophy and Technology, Twente University: July, 2009., (2009 - 2009).
  • "The Story of Food," North Texas Philosophical Association, University of NorthTexas: April, 2009., (2009 - 2009).
  • "The Story of the Foodworld," Workshop titled, Technology and the Environment, Colorado School of Mines, April, 2009., (2009 - 2009).
  • "Paul Ricoeur and Development Ethics," Society for Ricoeur Studies, Duquesne University: October, 2008., (2008 - 2008).
  • "Ricoeur and Habermas," Paul Ricoeur, interprète de la tradition occidentale, Université de Lausanne: February, 2008., (2008 - 2008).
  • "Society, Ethics, and Technology," Department of Philosophy, Texas State University: April, 2008., (2008 - 2008).
  • "Technology and Society," University of North Texas chapter of the Texas Academy for Math and Science: November, 2008., (2008 - 2008).
  • "The Story of Technology," Workshop titled, Technology and the Good Life, University of Twente, Netherlands: June, 2008., (2008 - 2008).
  • "How to Read Technology Critically," North Texas Philosophical Association, University of North Texas: April, 2007., (2007 - 2007).
  • "Ricoeur, Capabilities, and Human Development," International Society for the Study of Human Ideas on Ultimate Reality and Meaning, Regis College in the University of Toronto School of Theology: August, 2007, (2007 - 2007).
  • "Techno-Capabilities," Society for Philosophy and Technology, Charleston, South Carolina: July, 2007., (2007 - 2007).
  • "What's Wrong with Technology?" Department of Philosophy, University of Texas-Arlington: September, 2007., (2007 - 2007).
  • Chair and Discussant, "Ethical Issues in Biotechnology," a panel devoted to the 2nd edition of Ethical Issues in Biotechnology by Paul Thomson, Society for Philosophy and Technology, Charleston, South Carolina: July, 2007., (2007 - 2007).
  • "Paul Ricoeur and the Nazis," (single-paper session) Society for Phenomenology and Existential Philosophy, Philadelphia, PA: October, 2006., (2006 - 2006).
  • "Paul Ricoeur and the Nazis," North Texas Philosophical Association, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas: April, 2006., (2006 - 2006).
  • "Paul Ricoeur and the Philosophy of Technology," After Ricoeur: An Interdisciplinary Conference, Oklahoma City University, OK: October, 2006., (2006 - 2006).
  • "The Capabilities Approach and the Foodworld," Eursafe 2006, Oslo, Norway: June, 2006., (2006 - 2006).
  • Commentary on "The Doctrine of the Hermeneutical Circle and Traditional Epistemology," a paper by Myron Penner, APA Central Division, Chicago: April, 2006., (2006 - 2006).
  • "Designing Food, Designing People," Society for Philosophy and Technology, Delft University, Netherlands: July, 2005., (2005 - 2005).
  • "Edible Technology," University of North Texas chapter of the Texas Academy for Math and Science: December, 2005., (2005 - 2005).
  • "Hermeneutics, Critique, and Conviction," International Society for the Study of Human Ideas on Ultimate Reality and Meaning, Regis College in the University of Toronto School of Theology: August, 2005., (2005 - 2005).
  • "Paul Ricoeur and the Philosophy of Technology," job-talk presentation to the Department of Philosophy and Religion Studies, University of North Texas, March, 2005., (2005 - 2005).
  • "Paul Ricoeur and the Philosophy of Technology," job-talk presentation to the Department of Philosophy, Michigan State University, February, 2005., (2005 - 2005).
  • "Technopoly and the Philosophy of Technology" University of North Texas chapter of the Texas Academy for Math and Science: August, 2005., (2005 - 2005).
  • Panel discussion, "Between Description and Interpretation: The Hermeneutic Turn in Phenomenology," sponsored by the International Institute for Hermeneutics, Society for Phenomenology and Existential Philosophy, Salt Lake City, Utah, October, 2005, (2005 - 2005).
  • "Philosophical Issues of Genetically Modified Food," Panel Discussion on the Ethics of Genetic Engineering in Agriculture, sponsored by the Global Community Initiative of the University of Delaware: October, 2004., (2004 - 2004).
  • "Utopian Technologies of the Self: From Foucault to Ricoeur," Society for Phenomenology and the Human Sciences, University of Memphis: October, 2004., (2004 - 2004).
  • "What's Wrong with Functional Foods?" Ethics and the Life Sciences, The American Philosophical Association and the Philosophy Department of the University of Delaware: October, 2004., (2004 - 2004).
  • "The Story of Technology," Society for Philosophy and Technology, Park City, Utah: July, 2003., (2003 - 2003).
  • "Why Philosophy of Technology Matters," job-talk presentation to the Department of Philosophy, Cal Poly Pomona: April, 2003., (2003 - 2003).
  • "Why Philosophy of Technology Matters," job-talk presentation to the Department of Philosophy, Sacramento State University, March, 2003., (2003 - 2003).
  • "Edible Technologies," North American Society for Social Philosophy, University of Oregon: July, 2002., (2002 - 2002).
  • "From Critical Theory to Public Interest Philosophy," The Radical Philosophy Association International Conference, Brown University: November, 2002., (2002 - 2002).
  • "From Critical Theory to Public Interest Philosophy," The Tenth Annual Critical Theory Roundtable, St. Louis University: October, 2002., (2002 - 2002).
  • "The Global Politics of Genetically Modified Food," Engineering Food, Engineering People: Ethics and the Biotech Revolution, Invited by the Institute for Ethics and Public Policy, Cal Poly Pomona: April, 2002., (2002 - 2002).
  • "What's Wrong With Genetically Modified Food?" Invited by the Philosophy Department Colloquium, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey: April, 2002., (2002 - 2002).
  • "Narrative Evidence and Discourse Ethics," North American Society for Social Philosophy, Eastern Michigan University: July, 2001., (2001 - 2001).
  • "The WTO, GMOs, and Democracy," Society For Philosophy and Technology, University of Aberdeen, Scotland: July, 2001., (2001 - 2001).
  • "What's Wrong With Genetically Modified Food?" Morality in the 21st Century: The American Philosophical Association and the Philosophy Department of the University of Delaware: October, 2001., (2001 - 2001).
  • Commentary on "DNA Technology and The Notion of Biodiversity," a paper by Helena Siipi, Society for Philosophy and Technology, University of Aberdeen, Scotland: July, 2001., (2001 - 2001).
  • "One-Dimensional Planet," The Radical Philosophy Association International Conference, Loyola University- Chicago: November, 2000., (2000 - 2000).
  • "Techno-hermeneutics, Identity, and Politics," The Mid-South Philosophy Conference, University of Memphis: February, 2000., (2000 - 2000).
  • "The Philosophical Significance of Forgiveness," North American Society Social Philosophy, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada: July, 2000., (2000 - 2000).
  • Chair and Discussant, "Global Capitalism and Global Resistance," a panel of papers, The Radical Philosophy Association International Conference, Loyola University-Chicago: November, 2000., (2000 - 2000).
  • Commentary on "Becoming an Other like the Others: Levinas on the Place of Justice in Ethics," a paper by Philip J. Maloney, The Mid-South Philosophy Conference, University of Memphis: February, 2000., (2000 - 2000).
  • "Narrative Identity and Communicative Justice," New York State Political Science Association, St. John's University: May, 1999., (1999 - 1999).
  • "Narrative, Norm, and Critique," The Mid-South Philosophy Conference, University of Memphis: March, 1999., (1999 - 1999).
  • "Technology, Identity, and Human Dignity," North American Society for Social Philosophy, Villanova University: July, 1999., (1999 - 1999).
  • "Utopian Technology," The Society for Utopian Studies, San Antonio, Texas: November, 1999., (1999 - 1999).
  • Commentary on "Heidegger and the Youth Movement," a paper by Ingo Farin, The Mid-South Philosophy Conference, University of Memphis: March, 1999., (1999 - 1999).
  • "Ethics, Morals and Utopia," The Society for Utopian Studies, Montreal, Quebec: October, 1998., (1998 - 1998).
  • "Hermeneutics, Communicative Rationality, and Evidence," The Mid-South Philosophy Conference, University of Memphis: February, 1998., (1998 - 1998).
  • "Ricoeur's Critical Theory," The Radical Philosophy Association International Conference, San Francisco State University: November, 1998., (1998 - 1998).
  • Commentary on "An Author Construct There Must Be," a paper by William Irwin, The Mid-South Philosophy Conference, University of Memphis: February, 1998, (1998 - 1998).
  • Invited Talk

  • Kaplan, D.M. (Author & Presenter), Philosophers on Eating, The Hermeneutics of Hunger, University of Milan, Online, Italy. (2020 - 2020).
  • Kaplan, D.M. (Author & Presenter), How Ricoeur Reads Technology Critically, North Texas Philosophical Association, United States of America. (2019).
  • Kaplan, D.M. (Author & Presenter), Oregon State Univerity, What Should We Do About Our Food?, United States of America. (2019).
  • Kaplan, D.M. (Author & Presenter), "Food Science and Philosophy", University of Alabama, United States of America. (2016).
  • Kaplan, D.M. (Author & Presenter), "What's Wrong with Artificial Ingredients?", Taiwan National University, Taiwan. (2015).
  • Kaplan, D.M. (Author & Presenter), "How Does Ethics Taste?", University of North Texas, United States of America. (2015).
  • Kaplan, D.M. (Author & Presenter), "Food Technology Narratives", Ohio State University, United States of America. (2014).
  • Kaplan, D.M. (Author & Presenter), "What's Wrong with Food Additives?", Univeristy of Texas-Dallas, United States of America. (2014).
  • Keynote/Plenary Address

  • Kaplan, D.M. (Author & Presenter), The Aesthetics of Eating and Drinking, Southwest Philosophical Society, Texas Christian University, United States of America. (2019 - 2019).
  • Kaplan, D.M. (Author & Presenter), "Is it Wrong to Eat Disgusting Food?", University of Dallas, United States of America. (2017).
  • Lecture

  • Kaplan, D.M. (Author & Presenter), Meat is Disgusting, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Denton, TX, United States of America. (2021).
  • Panel Presentation

  • Kaplan, D.M. (Author & Presenter), "Food Ethics", Texas State University, United States of America. (2011).
  • Paper

  • Kaplan, D.M. (Author & Presenter), "The Politics of Taste", University of Fribourg, Switzerland. (2018).
  • Kaplan, D.M. (Author & Presenter), "Meat is Disgusting", Queen's University, Canada. (2017).
  • Kaplan, D.M. (Author & Presenter), "What Does Ethics Have to do with Taste?", Purdue University, United States of America. (2017).
  • Kaplan, D.M. (Author & Presenter), "What Does Ethics Have to do with Taste?", Texas State, United States of America. (2017).
  • Kaplan, D.M. (Author & Presenter), "Does Ethical Food Taste Better?", University of Toronto, Canada. (2016).
  • David, K.M. (Author & Presenter), "What's Wrong with Ricoeur's Hermeneutics?", Society for Ricoeur Studies, Loyola-New Orleans University, United States of America. (2014).
  • Kaplan, D.M. (Author & Presenter), "Food Technology Narratives", University of Texas-Dallas, United States of America. (2014).
  • Kaplan, D.M. (Author & Presenter), North Texas Philosophical Association, "What's Wrong with Food Additives?", University of North Texas, United States of America. (2014).
  • Kaplan, D.M. (Author & Presenter), "Food Studies and Philosophy", Indiana University, United States of America. (2013).
  • Kaplan, D.M. (Author & Presenter), "Narrating Techno-Moral Change", Maastricht University, Netherlands. (2012).

Media Contributions

    Radio

  • "Philosophy of Food," KERA. (February 24, 2014).

Service

University Service

  • Chairperson, Department Chair. (September 2020 - Present).
  • Director, Undergraduate Studies. (January 2019 - September 2021).
  • Member, Executive Committee. (2014 - 2020).
  • Member, Graduate Curriculum. (2007 - 2019).
  • Chairperson, TA/TF Supervisor. (2017 - 2018).
  • Director, Graduate Studies. (2014 - 2016).
  • Member, Comprehensive Exams. (2009 - 2016).
  • Member, Hiring Committee. (2008 - 2016).
  • Member, UNT Faculty Senate. (2012 - 2014).
  • Director, Undergraduate Studies. (2006 - 2013).
  • Committee Chair, Undergraduate Curriculum. (2007 - 2010).
  • Committee Chair, Undergraduate Scholarship. (2005 - 2010).
  • Committee Chair, Speakers Committee. (2005 - 2008).
  • Other (Undergraduate Philosophy advisor), University of North Texas. (2006 - 2006).

Professional Service

  • Other (Co-Director), Society for Philosophy and Technology. (2010 - 2010).
  • Other (Program Committee), Society for Philosophy and Technology. (2007 - 2007).
  • Other (Program Committee), American Catholic Philosophical Association. (2005 - 2005).
  • Other (Program Committee), Greater Philadelphia Annual Undergraduate Philosophy Conference. (2005 - 2005).
  • Other (Grant Writer), History and Philosophy of Science and Technology Program (NEH grant). (2004 - 2004).
  • Other (Grant Writer), Polytechnic Nano-Technology Initiative (NSF grant). (2004 - 2004).