Lydia K. Barry

Lydia K. Barry is an Assistant Professor in the Philosophy/Theology Department at an institution in Erie, Pennsylvania, specializing in ancient Greek philosophy with emphasis on Platonic dialogues and intersections of philosophy, rhetoric, and poetry. Her research critically examines relativistic sophistry's threat to democratic values and philosophical inquiry.

Educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Philosophy, Boston College (2023), Dissertation: "A Lacuna in the Self: Foresight & Forgetting in Plato's Protagoras"
• B.A. Liberal Arts (Philosophy concentration), Sarah Lawrence College (2015)

Barry's research spans Ancient Greek Philosophy, Platonic Dialogues, and Philosophy of Eros, with innovative work connecting Sappho's poetry to Platonic metaphysics of eros. She challenges linear interpretations of philosophical ascent through dramatic/literary elements of dialogues, while actively engaging Feminist Philosophy, History of Philosophy, and Philosophy of Art & Literature.

Her publications reveal evolving focus from democratic theory in early works (2021-2024) toward erotic philosophy and Sappho-Plato dialogues in recent/future work, demonstrating interdisciplinary synthesis across political philosophy, gender studies, and classical reception.

Key recognitions:

• Review of Metaphysics Dissertation Contest Winner (2024)
• Donald J. White Teaching Excellence Award, Boston College (2022, 2020)
• Endowed Martin Family Fellowship for service (2020)

Barry teaches History of Ancient Philosophy, Feminist Philosophies, Women in Western Philosophy, and Philosophy & The Good Life while maintaining active membership in the Ancient Philosophy Society, History of Philosophy Society, Society for Ancient Greek Philosophy, and Society for Phenomenology & Existential Philosophy.