Elinor Gardner

Sr. Elinor Gardner, O.P. is an Affiliate Assistant Professor in the Philosophy Department at the University of Dallas. A member of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia, she previously taught at Aquinas College (Nashville, TN) and The Catholic University of America (Washington, D.C.). Her research focuses on medieval philosophy, ethics, and medical ethics, particularly the works of St. Thomas Aquinas. She earned her PhD in Philosophy from Boston College (2009) with a dissertation on Aquinas’ ethics and the death penalty.

Education:

• PhD, Philosophy, Boston College, 2009
• Cert. E. Ed., Aquinas College, 2007
• B.A. summa cum laude, Philosophy, St. Anselm College, 1999

Research Interests: Her work bridges medieval theology and contemporary ethical debates, including punishment theory, brain death ethics, and the role of medicine in society. She has translated key texts by Robert Spaemann and contributed to theological discussions on human rights and natural law.

Publications: Her articles explore topics like Aquinas’ views on punishment as medicine, critiques of modern medical practices, and analyses of brain death criteria. She has also authored book chapters and encyclopedia entries on ethics and natural rights.

Affiliations: Active in academic and religious communities, she maintains ties with the American Maritain Association and contributes to international theological journals like Verbum and Communio.