Outreach
UNC Philosophy, engaged.
The aim of our Outreach Program is to use the Philosophy Department’s and the Parr Center’s intellectual resources (1) to help people in the community think carefully and clearly about a broad range of ideas, commitments, and practices that shape their lives, (2) to expand the scope and breadth of philosophical and ethical inquiry by bringing new voices into the fold, and (3) to promote the university’s mission to produce and disseminate knowledge for the public good. We are motivated by the conviction that philosophical activity contributes to a flourishing and autonomous life by helping us to develop a sense of ourselves and the world around us through reflection on our beliefs and values. We also believe that the skills and dispositions cultivated by philosophical inquiry are integral to a flourishing civic sphere.
We regularly partner with K-12 schools, community colleges, libraries, prisons, juvenile justice facilities, museums, professional organizations, retirement communities, and other community venues and campus units to offer philosophy and ethics programming to the public. As representatives of the university for North Carolina, we aim to produce and disseminate knowledge for the public good through democratic partnerships and collaborations. Our volunteers include UNC undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty from the Department of Philosophy. Director of Outreach Michael Vazquez has designed and taught experiential and service learning courses that bring UNC undergraduates into conversation with folks across the lifespan and across the country, including courses on Intergenerational Philosophy and the National High School Ethics Bowl.
In the News
“Ethics Bowl and Democratic Deliberation” (Professor Vazquez on Ethics Bowl Service-Learning) (APA Syllabus Showcase)
Ongoing Efforts
Engagement Resources
A compiled list of online resources to assist in teaching and learning philosophy, and public philosophical efforts more generally.
Testimonials
Participants, program coordinators, and educators share their experiences with the Philosophy Outreach Program.
A compiled list of online resources to assist in teaching and learning philosophy, and public philosophical efforts more generally.
Testimonials
Participants, program coordinators, and educators share their experiences with the Philosophy Outreach Program.
Contact
Please contact Dr. Michael Vazquez to discuss the prospect of partnering with UNC Philosophy or the Parr Center for Ethics!
2023-2024 Outreach Fellows
Aurora Yu
Intergenerational Outreach Fellow
Read Aurora's Bio
Aurora is a fourth-year graduate student in the Philosophy Department with interests primarily in Early Modern Philosophy, Ancient Greek Philosophy, Moral Theory, and 20th century Continental Philosophy. She is charged with planning, overseeing, and helping to deliver Intergenerational Colloquia Series for older adults in the Chapel Hill area.
Dashiell Shulman
K-12 Schools Outreach Fellow
Read Dash's Bio
Dash is a first-year PhD student in Philosophy. As the K-12 Schools Outreach Fellow, Dash will oversee and implement a number of grant-funded programs centered on promoting ethical reflection among middle and high school students.