Christopher Shields
UC Distinguished Professor of Philosophy
Henry E. Allison Endowed Chair
University of California San Diego
Research Interests
My principal work is in the history of philosophy, primarily in Ancient Philosophy, with a special focus on Aristotle. In Ancient Philosophy, I also research and publish on Plato and Hellenistic Philosophy, especially Stoicism.
My interests in history range broadly, however. I also conduct research in Medieval Philosophy, having published on Thomas Aquinas and, more recently, on the superb but neglected Iberian philosopher, Francisco
Suárez
Overlapping with my historical preoccupations are systematic interests in: metaphysics, philosophy of mind, the nature of life and living systems, the nature of normativity, and axiology.
Teaching Interests
My teaching interests begin but do not end in my primary areas of research and publication.
In addition to courses and seminars in Ancient Philosophy, of all periods and at all levels, some recent offerings include: Philosophy of Mind (recent seminars on intentionality and mental causation), Metaphysics (recent seminars on diachronic identity, universals, and life and the nature of living systems), Philosophy and Literature, Philosophy of Religion, Aesthetics, Teleology, Contemporary Hylomorphisms, and the Metaphysics of Goodness.