Daniel Kirchner, Ph.D.

Senior Lecturer

About Me

Daniel Kirchner is a Senior Lecturer in the Lewis Honors College. He holds a B.A. in international relations and German (Johns Hopkins University), an M.T.S. in 19th century philosophy and theology (Harvard University), and a Ph.D. in philosophy (Indiana University). Building from a background in the history of philosophy, Kirchner has spent the last ten years developing innovative teaching in the classroom and collaborating on interdisciplinary curricula in both an environmental studies major and interdisciplinary Asia and the environment initiative. He has experience teaching a wide range of courses in the humanities, introduction to ethics, environmental ethics, food ethics, biomedical ethics, ethical theories, and 19th century philosophy. His teaching emphasizes a historical focus on primary text material and experiential engagement with contemporary ethical issues. He aims to integrate classroom instruction with mentoring and extra-curricular experiences including internships, research, and public presentations by public intellectuals and community leaders.  

Ask Me About... 

• Service Learning Opportunities
• Community Engagement 
• Food Ethics 

Research 

My research is focused on the history of philosophy and ethics. In particular, I am interested in the ways environmental ethics and food ethics present problems that contemporary ethical theories struggle to address, including societal challenges like food insecurity. I have written on Augustine and Epicureanism, am a published photographer, am past-president of the Grace Cafe Board of Directors, and serve on the ACLU of KY Board of Directors.