About
Kevin DeLapp is the Harold E. Fleming Professor of Philosophy and coordinator of the philosophy program at Converse, where he has served since 2006. He is affiliated with the Department of History & Philosophy and teaches a wide range of courses in ethics, metaphysics, logic, and cross-cultural philosophy.
Education:
- PhD in Philosophy – Duke University
- BA in Philosophy – University of California, Santa Cruz
Dr. DeLapp's research centers on the foundations of morality, with strong emphases on metaethics, moral psychology, and comparative philosophy, particularly Confucianism. He explores questions of moral objectivity, cultural values, and the philosophical implications of mythology and science fiction. His teaching includes innovative topics such as heroes and monsters, the philosophy of biology, and independent studies in the Nisbet Honors program.
His recent scholarly output shows a deepening engagement with cross-cultural philosophical traditions, especially through major editorial projects on Confucianism. These works reflect a broad interdisciplinary scope, combining philosophy, history, religion, and cultural studies. His publications span moral realism, truthfulness, and comparative value theory, demonstrating a sustained exploration of ethical foundations across cultures.
Scientific Awards:
- Curriculum Innovation Award
- Kathryne Amelia Brown Award for Excellence in Teaching
- Recognition by the Association of South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities for Teaching Performance
Dr. DeLapp is actively involved in student mentorship through independent studies and has led educational foreign tours across Europe. He contributes to academic leadership as a former two-time president of the South Carolina Society for Philosophy. In addition to his philosophical work, he teaches fencing as a physical education course, reflecting a holistic approach to liberal arts education. He has no reported grants mentioned, but his editorial projects suggest significant scholarly initiative and collaborative leadership.
He is involved in major ongoing research projects, including the six-volume A Cultural History of Confucianism, under contract and expected in 2026, indicating a sustained and forward-looking research agenda in the field of global philosophical history.
