West Virginia University

Faculty

Sharon Ryan

Associate Professor & Chair

1.6.10 - Sharon Ryan

  • Contact Information

    • 293-3641x33305 Room 228
      Sharon Ryan

      Office Hours: Monday & Wednesday 1:30 - 3:00 and by appointment
      M/W

  • Specializations

    • Epistemology
      Metaphysics
      Philosophy of Religion
      Philosophy for Children.

  • Research Interests

    • I am especially interested in the following questions: Do we have direct control over our doxastic attitudes (belief, disbelief, suspension of judgment)? Do we have any obligations about the doxastic attitudes we hold? Is human free will compatible with a future that is determined by the laws of nature and past events? Are there any epistemic abilities that are required for personhood? Is death bad for the one who is dead? Can a person be harmed if she does not, or cannot, experience the harm? Is it rational to fear death? What is wisdom? What are the differences between knowledge, intelligence, and wisdom?

  • Other Interests

    • In addition to writing for a professional audience of academic philosophers, I am writing philosophy that is accessible to, and meaningful for, children. I write short stories and straight forward, engaging philosophical essays.

      I am the creator of The Question This online project is an attempt to share my love of philosophy with everyone. My goal is to spark careful thought and discussion on philosophical questions with people all over the world. THE QUESTION has received a lot of positive attention from the media, including a full-page story in Sports Illustrated!

      In addition to my academic interests, I love to exercise with intensity. I love running and cycling, and I teach Spinning classes at the WVU Student Recreation Center.

      I have a few drums that I like to bang.

      And, I love to zoom-zoom in my Mazda Miata or zip around on my Vespa.

  • Courses

    • I have taught Introduction to Problems of Philosophy, Theory of Knowledge, Metaphysics, Philosophy of Religion, Critical Thinking, and Logic.

  • Administrative Goals

    • I have been the Chair of the West Virginia University Philosophy Department since July 2004. My primary goals have been to:

      (1) Create one of the best undergraduate philosophy programs in the United States. Although we have always had a strong philosophy department, in the past five years, WVU Philosophy has been transformed into a vibrant, student-centered, department. At the same time, our professors are publishing more exciting research than ever.

      (2) Build a lively academic community of philosophy students, faculty, and alumni. Our philosophy club meets once a week and is as lively as it has ever been. We regularly have a group of about twenty students, between three to five professors, and a few philosophy alums, who are currently students at the WVU College of Law or Wave's Medical School. For the past three years we have hosted a National Undergraduate Conference, which has brought students from all over the country to WV to present their research. We have had a competitive Ethics Bowl team for the past four years. We have a few famous philosophers visit our campus every year to discuss their work with us. And, every year we have a special day, dedicated to showcasing research in applied ethics with a scholar recognized nationally for his or her work. This year, we will have Professor David Luban, from Georgetown University, visiting our campus.

      (3) Have fun doing philosophy. When I was a little kid growing up in Lindenhurst, NY, my Mom and Dad would take my four brothers and me to Shea Stadium for a New York Mets game once or twice every summer. One day, I finally realized that Bud Harrelson, Jerry Kooseman, Rusty Staub, and Tom Seaver were adults and that playing baseball was their JOB. (It may seem crazy that it took so long for me to figure this out, but Shea is big and our seats were always in the nosebleed section!) The moment I made this realization, I vowed secretly to have a similar future. I did it. I play philosophy for a living.