Blair Morrissey

Biography:

My primary area is philosophy, a subject area that I did not find until college. Philosophy seriously examined the questions that most concerned me then. Those questions continue to intrigue me today: They include: What's justice? In what sense does 'Might make Right'? Is it both wise and just in a democratic society for the top 5% of the citizens to own so much? How do we know things? What is an argument? What's the difference between a good and a bad one? What are the basic natures of religion, science, the arts, and the humanities? What is a successful democracy? Do the educational requirements for citizens to run a successful democracy stop at job skills? Should we care?

At MCC, I currently teach introductory philosophy, biomedical ethics, symbolic logic and the philosophy of religion. I have previously taught social and political philosophy, business ethics, a course on science and society, and a team-taught humanities course. A few years ago, I began teaching a course called College Success Seminar. Its goal is to increase students' chances of success however they define it. My main reason for teaching CSS is a belief that too many students do not do as well as they might because they lack some (more or less) easily learned behaviors and skills.

I am a strong supporter of MCC's general education goals and believe that these goals require their support in most courses. Consequently, my courses require critical reading, essays, papers, presentations, and small group activities. All students should think hard when choosing their courses and choose those that nurture a broad range of skills and knowledge. Students should not assume that "getting that piece of paper [a degree]" guarantees competence in all areas that they will need.

Incidentally, I was born in Texas, was educated through high school in Ontario and Quebec, graduated from Dartmouth College, and received an M.A. from Case Western Reserve University. I enjoy philosophy, small boats, gardening, and the small city life of Muskegon.