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. (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).