Daniel Pierson

Daniel Pierson serves as Associate Professor and Chair of the Philosophy Department at Benedictine College, a position held since joining the faculty in 2015. His prior academic appointments include Part-time Lecturer at Mount St. Mary’s University and Adjunct Instructor/Teaching Fellow roles at The Catholic University of America.

His educational credentials feature:

• Ph.D. in Philosophy from The Catholic University of America (2015), dissertation: "Thomas Aquinas on the Principle Omne Agens Agit Sibi Simile"
• M.A. in Liberal Arts from St. John’s College, Santa Fe (2004)
• B.A. in Philosophy from St. John’s University, Minnesota (2002)

Specializing in Medieval Philosophy with emphasis on Thomas Aquinas, his research spans Metaphysics, Natural Philosophy, and History of Philosophy (Ancient and Medieval periods). His work critically examines Aquinas' metaphysical frameworks and their theological implications within scholastic tradition.

His 2013 encyclopedia entries on Active and Passive Intellect demonstrate consistent focus on Aristotelian-Thomistic theories of cognition, revealing deep engagement with philosophy of mind and epistemological foundations across scholastic scholarship.

Recognition includes:

• Most Valuable Professor Award from Mount St. Mary’s Women’s Lacrosse Team (2014)
• FYE Teaching Fellowship at The Catholic University of America (2009-2013)
• Johannes Quasten Scholarship (2007-2009)

Dr. Pierson teaches diverse philosophy courses including Principles of Nature, Ethics, and Classical Philosophy. He maintains professional affiliation with the American Catholic Philosophical Association and possesses reading proficiency in Latin, French, and German. No research grants, student advising records, or laboratory affiliations are documented.