Joe Weiss

Joe Weiss is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Appalachian State University, part of the College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on critical theory, particularly the Frankfurt School, exploring intersections between ethics, political theory, aesthetics, and the philosophy of music. He recently published The Dialectics of Music: Adorno, Benjamin, and Deleuze (2021), analyzing modern critical theory through the lens of cultural and musical production. His work bridges classical German philosophy with contemporary analyses of capital and neoliberalism, engaging thinkers like Kant, Adorno, Benjamin, and Deleuze.

Key research themes include the critique of the 'culture industry,' the philosophical underpinnings of social and political movements, and the ethical dimensions of memory and trauma. Recent articles address fascism’s resurgence, the legacy of Karl Kraus, and Kant’s 'universal history' in the context of eco-catastrophe.

No scientific awards are explicitly listed, though his contributions to critical theory are notable. He advises no listed students but is actively involved in academic advising through his teaching roles. His office is located in I. G. Greer Hall 214-A.