Michigan State University

Department of Philosophy

Robert T. Pennock

Professor

Degree:

Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh

Teaching Areas:

Philosophy and History of Science, especially of biology; Practical Ethics, especially biomedical and research ethics.

Interests:

Professor Pennock's research focuses on the relationship of epistemic and ethical values in science, especially regarding issues in biology and medicine that involve evidence and methodological practice.  He is currently working on an analysis of evolutionary theory as an abstract theoretical structure with multiple possible instantiations.  Looking at recent applications of Darwinian evolution in areas such as artificial life, computer science, engineering and medicine, he is evaluating the degree to which the conceptual elements of evolutionary theory can generalized.  He also works on issues in bioethics and environmental ethics (particularly, ethical and social implications of the human genome project and genetic technologies), and on research ethics.  Dr. Pennock has also written extensively about the creationism controversy, especially with regard to the new "intelligent design" creationist movement, and continues to write and speak about how to defend evolution and science education from ongoing attacks from creationists.  In all of these areas, his central philosophical interest is how the specific cases illuminate general theoretical questions about the pragmatic interplay of facts and values.

Address:

E-30 Holmes Hall
Lyman Briggs School
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48825-1107
Email: pennock5@msu.edu
Web Page: http://www.msu.edu/~pennock5
Telephone: (517) 432-7701