J.M. Fritzman

Associate Professor of Philosophy

John R. Howard Hall 223, MSC: 45
Office Hours:

MWF 8:30a-12p & M 3-4p

Or by appointment on TTH on Zoom

“Philosophy is always one generation from dying. Students allow philosophy to continue. For that, teachers of philosophy owe them an unrepayable and immeasurable debt of gratitude. Studying philosophy is never easy. It is, however, usually pleasant. Teaching philosophy is always a joy.”

I’ve published several articles on Indian philosophy and a book on the German philosopher Hegel. I cook Indian cuisine, mostly Punjabi, as well as Italian, Sri Lankan, and Thai. I’ve been to India eight times. I led the Overseas Program to India twice. I’ve seen more than 300 Bollywood films. I once had five cats.

Academic Credentials

PhD 1991 Purdue University, BA 1977 Eastern Mennonite University

Teaching

Spring 2024 Courses:

PHIL 307: Recent Continental Philosophy
MWF 12:40PM - 01:40PM

Key movements such as psychoanalysis, phenomenology, hermeneutics and existentialism, structuralism, Marxism, poststructuralism and deconstruction, critical theory.
Prerequisites: Any 100- or 200-level philosophy course.

PHIL 451: The Story of Indian Philosophy (Philosophical Studies: History of Philosophy)
MWF 1:50PM - 2:50PM

Advanced study of movements and philosophers discussed in 300-level history of philosophy courses. May be repeated with change of topic.
Prerequisites: PHIL 101. PHIL 250. One 300-level philosophy course.

Restrictions: Sophomore standing required.

Research

I graduated with a PhD in philosophy from Purdue University in 1991. My research interests are in German Idealism, Indian Philosophy, and the Philosophy of Mind. I have published numerous articles in a wide range of journals. My book on Hegel (Polity Press) was published in 2014. I’m writing a book on cosmopsychism.

Location: J.R. Howard Hall