Dr. Chad Mohler
Assistant Professor of Philosophy & Religion
College of Arts & Sciences
B.S. Physics and Philosophy, University of Notre Dame
Ph.D. Philosophy, Princeton University
Ph.D. Philosophy, Princeton University
Organizations
Advisor, Truman’s Habitat for Humanity Chapter
Advisor, Truman’s Macintosh User Group
Member of Teaching/Learning Technology Roundtable Committee
Member of Information Technology Advisory Committee
Webmaster for Truman’s Philosophy and Religion website
Pershing Scholar mentor
Advisor, Truman’s Macintosh User Group
Member of Teaching/Learning Technology Roundtable Committee
Member of Information Technology Advisory Committee
Webmaster for Truman’s Philosophy and Religion website
Pershing Scholar mentor
Honors and Recognition
Semi-finalist, Truman’s "Educator of the Year" award
Lecturer in Linda Hall Library Lecture Series
Truman Curriculum/Instruction Grant to develop a Philosophy of Action course
Princeton University Honorific Fellowship
My area of specialization is epistemology, the study of questions like, "What do we know? How do we know it? What beliefs count as reasonable ones, and why?" My current research addresses the question of what beliefs are rational even in the absence of evidence for them. I also have strong interests in the philosophy of science (including the philosophy of quantum mechanics), metaphysics, logic, and the philosophy of religion.
How do you involve undergraduate students in your research?
I’ve been a mentor to students on their Student Research Conference projects and their Philosophy & Religion Senior Seminar projects. In the context of discussing those projects with the students, we often have lively conversations about some of the important questions I’m also researching.
What attracted you to teaching at Truman?
The students, faculty, and staff at Truman are just top-notch. They continually strive for ever-greater heights of excellence.
What do you think makes Truman unique?
Truman’s commitment to developing the minds of its students is unparalleled. If you are interested in receiving an education at a university that is centered on the student, Truman is the place for you!
What do you like best about teaching at Truman?
I love the thrill of seeing little "light bulbs" go on in the minds of my students as they begin to understand more deeply important concepts in philosophy: knowledge, goodness, justice, beauty, and much more!
What has been your greatest accomplishment or success while teaching at Truman?
I count as my greatest success every student I’ve helped to think a little bit more deeply about the important questions in life. Who are we? What is our purpose? What should we believe? How should we act? I can’t think of any greater accomplishment than that.
What has presented you with the greatest teaching challenge?
It’s always easy to see the world from our own particular viewpoints. What is a challenge is coming to understand how the world might be seen from perspectives outside those familiar viewpoints. Coming to such an understanding allows us to draw on the insights of alternative perspectives in making our own views stronger and more robust.
How do you get acquainted with students at Truman?
At the beginning of each semester, I play some ice-breaker games with my students, and I learn all their names by the second or third session of class. I encourage all my students to come visit me outside of class to talk about life, the universe, and everything. I also get to know students on a more informal basis in my role as advisor to Truman’s Habitat for Humanity chapter and Truman’s Macintosh Users Group.
What do you find unique about Truman students?
Truman students are hard workers who are always eager to learn more. They have an easygoing, optimistic, "can do" spirit, and they bring a fresh perspective to classroom discussions.
How would you describe life in Kirksville to a friend?
A warm, welcoming city that has many of the conveniences of a larger town, and yet is small enough that you can really feel connected to those you meet.
Semi-finalist, Truman’s "Educator of the Year" award
Lecturer in Linda Hall Library Lecture Series
Truman Curriculum/Instruction Grant to develop a Philosophy of Action course
Princeton University Honorific Fellowship
My area of specialization is epistemology, the study of questions like, "What do we know? How do we know it? What beliefs count as reasonable ones, and why?" My current research addresses the question of what beliefs are rational even in the absence of evidence for them. I also have strong interests in the philosophy of science (including the philosophy of quantum mechanics), metaphysics, logic, and the philosophy of religion.
How do you involve undergraduate students in your research?
I’ve been a mentor to students on their Student Research Conference projects and their Philosophy & Religion Senior Seminar projects. In the context of discussing those projects with the students, we often have lively conversations about some of the important questions I’m also researching.
What attracted you to teaching at Truman?
The students, faculty, and staff at Truman are just top-notch. They continually strive for ever-greater heights of excellence.
What do you think makes Truman unique?
Truman’s commitment to developing the minds of its students is unparalleled. If you are interested in receiving an education at a university that is centered on the student, Truman is the place for you!
What do you like best about teaching at Truman?
I love the thrill of seeing little "light bulbs" go on in the minds of my students as they begin to understand more deeply important concepts in philosophy: knowledge, goodness, justice, beauty, and much more!
What has been your greatest accomplishment or success while teaching at Truman?
I count as my greatest success every student I’ve helped to think a little bit more deeply about the important questions in life. Who are we? What is our purpose? What should we believe? How should we act? I can’t think of any greater accomplishment than that.
What has presented you with the greatest teaching challenge?
It’s always easy to see the world from our own particular viewpoints. What is a challenge is coming to understand how the world might be seen from perspectives outside those familiar viewpoints. Coming to such an understanding allows us to draw on the insights of alternative perspectives in making our own views stronger and more robust.
How do you get acquainted with students at Truman?
At the beginning of each semester, I play some ice-breaker games with my students, and I learn all their names by the second or third session of class. I encourage all my students to come visit me outside of class to talk about life, the universe, and everything. I also get to know students on a more informal basis in my role as advisor to Truman’s Habitat for Humanity chapter and Truman’s Macintosh Users Group.
What do you find unique about Truman students?
Truman students are hard workers who are always eager to learn more. They have an easygoing, optimistic, "can do" spirit, and they bring a fresh perspective to classroom discussions.
How would you describe life in Kirksville to a friend?
A warm, welcoming city that has many of the conveniences of a larger town, and yet is small enough that you can really feel connected to those you meet.