Dr. Michael D. Barnwell

Biography

Dr. Michael D. 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 “Fatherhood and the Meaning of Life” in Fatherhood & Philosophy (Wiley-Blackwell, 2011).

Dr. Barnwell’s has recently turned his focus on using philosophical tools to help businesses succeed through creating the subdiscipline of “philosophical business consulting.”

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 “soft skills” such as critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and ethical behavior.

Current Involvement

• Promotion & Tenure Committee
• Board member, Lewiston-Porter International Business Academy

Educational Background

• Ph.D., Yale University (2005)
• M.Div., Yale University (1999)
• B.A., Wake Forest University (1993)