Joel Martinez

“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

Spring 2025 Courses

PHIL 217: Topics: Relationshop to Ethics
TTH 9:40am-11:10am

In this course we study the Ethics of Interpersonal Relationships broadly construed. Philosophers have always been interested in the value of personal relationships. The goods they generate-or, perhaps, of which they consist-are obviously important, both instrumentally and non-instrumentally, for how well individuals’ lives go on various accounts of what makes a life good: They are highly desired by most people, can bring a lot of pleasure and joy and, at least some of them-such as friendship or love-have objective value. More recently, these goods have also been said to be relevant to determining individuals’ duties and even
rights. In particular, there are several reasons to be concerned with their distribution: Personal relationship goods represent a significant and non-substitutable component of individuals’ well-being, are a significant kind of personal resource as well as a major determinant of individuals’ opportunities.

Prerequisites: None.

PHIL 301: Ancient Western Philosophy
TTH 11:30am-1:00pm

The birth of philosophy against the background of mythic thought; its development from Socrates to the mature systems of Plato and Aristotle; their continuation and transformation in examples of Hellenistic thought.

Prerequisites: Any 100- or 200-level philosophy course.

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.