J.M. Fritzman
Associate Professor of Philosophy
“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 enjoy hiking in Portland’s many forests, watching Bollywood movies, and cooking. I have been to India eight times, and I twice led the Overseas Program to India.
During my copious free time, when I’m not busy neglecting my duties, I enjoy watching Bollywood movies, cooking Indian food, going to bhangra dances, and worshiping murtis.
Academic Credentials
PhD 1991 Purdue University, BA 1977 Eastern Mennonite University
Teaching
Fall 2022 Courses:
PHIL 102: Introduction to Philosophy
MWF 9:10am-10:10am
Introduction to problems and fields of philosophy through the study of major philosophers’ works and other philosophical texts. Specific content varies with instructor.
Prerequisites: None.
PHIL 207: Indian Philosophy
MWF 10:20am-11:20am
Survey of India’s classical philosophies as well as introductions to the Vedas, the Upanishads, Carvaka, Jainism, Buddhism, and recent Indian philosophers.
Prerequisites: None.
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.