Kevin Patton
University of Nebraska - Omaha Arts and Science Hall Room 205 6001 Dodge Road Omaha, NE 68182 | (402) 578 2106 |
Academic Appointments
2016 - 2019, 2021 Adjunct Professor, University of Nebraska - Omaha
2020 Instructor, Kansas State University
2019-2020, 2022 - Present Visiting Professor, University of Nebraska - Omaha
Education
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
PhD, Philosophy, August 2024.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
MA, Philosophy, May 2023.
University of Nebraska-Omaha
BA, Philosophy, May 2012.
AOS
Epistemology
AOC
Philosophy of Language, Value Theory, Metaethics, and Medical Ethics.
Conference Presentations
1. “Open Source Database Indexing as a Means of Assisting Non-Native English Speaking Students in Learning Philosophy.”
The 21st Biennial AAPT Conference on Teaching Philosophy, Saginaw, MI. July, 2016
Research Grants and Awards
Teaching Recognition Award from Beta Theta Pi, 2012
Teaching Experience
University of Nebraska-Omaha, Instructor
Undergraduate Courses
Kansas State University, Instructor
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Instructor
Service
1. Graduate Student Colloquium Organizer University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE 2015-2016
Professional Membership
American Philosophical Association
American Association of Philosophy Teachers
Dissertation
Title: The Value of Knowledge and its Problems
Committee: David Henderson (committee chair)
William Melanson (reader)
Aaron Bronfman (reader)
Edward Becker (reader)
Abstract: This dissertation answers the three value problems in epistemology. These problems are that of 1) explaining the superior value of knowledge over mere true belief, 2) explaining the superior value of knowledge over all of the proper subsets of knowledge, and 3) explaining the superior kind of value that knowledge has in contrast to that which falls short. The methodology used to provide an answer to these problems relies on the arguments put forth in a rarely discussed paper from Ward Jones. In short, the Jonesian approach can be summed up as the view that epistemic axiology and analysis ought to be kept separate. The value of knowledge is not a matter of determining which of the various analyses of knowledge are correct. The Jonesian framework instead looks outside of the necessary and sufficient conditions of knowledge to find properties of knowledge which, though contingent, can explain the distinctive value of knowledge. This framework, though remarkably robust, requires going against what I consider to be the orthodox approach to the problems. This orthodox approach relies on two axiological assumptions which, when subjected to criticism, lose any plausibility that they may have had. Once these assumptions are appropriately discarded, the Jonesian view has a straightforward answer to the first problem. Answering the second problem is almost as straightforward as the first once the disvalue of an unsatisfied Gettier condition is recognized. The third value problem, however, is a different kind of problem altogether. Answering it requires not only the Jonesian framework, but also a careful discussion of how we determine final value. Once this discussion is had, a Jonesian answer to the tertiary problem follows immediately. This dissertation closes by applying the Jonesian framework to a recent paper which argues that there can be no modal conditions on knowledge due to such conditions failing to help answer the value problems. This claim will be found wanting.