Joel A. Martinez
Department Chair of Philosophy and Associate Professor of Philosophy
T 1:15PM-2:30PM, W 2-3PM, & by appointment
“My aim in teaching is to express to the students how puzzling and interesting the everyday world is. We talk about morality, the external world, social institutions and other minds every day. However, philosophical reflection shows us that when we use these everyday ideas we do so in ways that are loaded with assumptions and involve commitments or implications we do not always notice. Philosophy is practical, important, and also just plain interesting.”
I study the history of moral philosophy as well as contemporary moral theory. My work focuses on moral decision-making and moral theory. I argue that reasoning about who we aim to be and what lives we aim to live are effective ways to make practical decisions. In addition, I do not think there is a useful or accurate distinction between theory & practice. One need not have a PhD in Philosophy to engage in deep philosophical reflection about morality. Similarly, in my view, abstract theorizing about morality is, and ought to be, a practical endeavor.
Most of my research has focused on the development of Virtue Ethics and Moral Psychology. I am now studying moral decision-making and Artificial Intelligence. I am also studying and developing courses in Latin American Philosophy. I think this is an exciting time to research and teach Philosophy.
My publications have appeared in The Australasian Journal of Philosophy, Apeiron, Boston Area Colloquium in Ancient Philosophy, An Anthology of Philosophical Studies (ATINER), Journal of Ethics, Philosophy and Global Affairs, among others.
I am honored to have received the 2010 Arnold L. and Lois S. Graves Award, administered by Pomona College and the American Council of Learned Societies.
During my free time, I like to hike with my dog in the forests surrounding Portland.
Academic Credentials
PhD 2006 University of Arizona
MA 1999 Michigan State University
BA 1997 New Mexico State University
Teaching
Fall 2025 Courses
PHIL-203: Philosophy of Art and Beauty
TTh 9:40AM-11:10AM
Theorizing about art. Puzzles in art that suggest the need to theorize; traditional discussions of art in Plato and Aristotle and critiques of them (Hume, Kant, Nietzsche, Collingwood); critical perspectives on these discussions (Danto). Specific discussions of individual arts: literature, drama, film, music, dance, the plastic arts.
Prerequisites: None.
PHIL-214: Philosophy of Law
MWF 3PM-4:30PM
Major theories of law and jurisprudence, with emphasis on implications for the relationship between law and morality, principles of criminal and tort law, civil disobedience, punishment and excuses, and freedom of expression.
Prerequisites: None.
PHIL-314: Ethical Theory
TTh 11:30AM-1:00PM
The main systematic approaches to issues in moral philosophy. Meta-ethics: meaning of moral terms, relativism, subjectivism, ethics and science, social contract theory. Normative ethics:
deontological duties, utilitarianism, virtue and character, egoism, rights, natural law, justice, blameworthiness, excuses.
Prerequisites: PHIL 102 or 103; Sophomore standing required.
Professional Experience
I am honored to have received the 2010 Arnold L. and Lois S. Graves Award, administered by Pomona College and the American Council of Learned Societies.