Professor

Robert Sinclair

Profile

Faculty of International Liberal Arts Department of International Liberal Arts

Graduate School Graduate School of International Peace Studies Division of International Peace Studies

Specialized Field	Philosophy
Research theme	20th Century Anglo-American Philosophy, American Pragmatism
Laboratory Information	Global Square AW915
Subjects in charge	Introduction to Global Culture and Society, Seminar I, Seminar II, Seminar III, Capstone, Modern Social Thought, Global Justice and Intercultural Ethics
Main career, work history, and academic background	Ph.D. in Philosophy, Simon Fraser University, 2001 MA in Philosophy, University of Ottawa, 1996 BA in Philosophy, Concordia University, 1994 After graduating from Simon Fraser University, I taught there for 5 years years before moving to Brooklyn College, CUNY for the last 8 years.
Message	There are two main factors that motivate my teaching in philosophy. The first is a general enthusiasm for the discipline itself, where this includes the issues found in the history of Western philosophy, as well as the processes of inquiry, interpretation, and criticism through which these issues are approached. The second is my belief that our society needs citizens that do not rest with their first reactions to issues and problems, but who think more imaginatively, creatively and critically from exposure to a variety of different experiences. I see philosophy as playing a key cultural role for modern society through its careful examination of concepts, actions, institutions, and individuals. By helping to develop skills in this type of critical perspective the study of philosophy continues to have both individual and social value. This is especially true of social and political philosophy since concerns over social and political organization crucially influence our daily lives. The study of these issues will then help students recognize in more concrete terms, the kind of value philosophical reflection can have for them beyond the classroom. I am looking forward to sharing with you my enthusiasm for philosophy and in helping you achieve academic and professional success.

Specialized Field	American Pragmatism (especially John Dewey and C. I. Lewis); History of Analytic Philosophy (especially Quine); Epistemology
Research theme	Quine, Conceptual Pragmatism and the Analytic-Synthetic Distinction Dewey’s pragmatism and his cultural conception of philosophy
research content	I am currently engaged in two main lines of research. The first examines the philosophical development of the American logician and philosopher, W. V. Quine, by charting the influence of his teacher, C. I. Lewis. The second explores various aspects of Dewey’s pragmatism, especially his cultural conception of philosophy and its application to contemporary issues in philosophy of religion, political philosophy and moral philosophy.
Research and Education Policy	In my teaching, I attempt to demonstrate the value of philosophy by showing its relevance for contemporary issues and problems.
Recent Grant-in-Aid Selection Status	Global Square AW915
Main career, work history, and academic background	Ph.D. Philosophy Simon Fraser University 2001 M.A. Philosophy University of Ottawa 1996 B.A. Honours in Philosophy Concordia University 1994 2018 – Present Professor of Philosophy (tenured), Faculty of International Liberal Arts, Soka University, Tokyo, Japan (with a joint appointment in the School of International Peace Studies (MA Program)) 2018 – Present Instructor (part-time), Faculty of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies, Hosei University, Tokyo, Japan 2017 – 2018 Professor of Philosophy (tenure-track), Faculty of International Liberal Arts, Soka University, Tokyo, Japan 2014 – 2017 Associate Professor of Philosophy (tenure-track), Faculty of International Liberal Arts, Soka University, Tokyo, Japan 2011 – 2014 Associate Professor (tenured), Department of Philosophy, Brooklyn College, CUNY 2006 – 2010 Assistant Professor (tenure-track), Department of Philosophy, Brooklyn College, CUNY 2001 – 2006 Adjunct Instructor, Department of Philosophy, Simon Fraser University
Message	While the study of philosophy can be challenging, it is also very rewarding. It will provide you with a deeper moral perspective on social and political life.

Interview application Researcher information details