Scott R. Sehon

Scott R. Sehon is the Joseph E. Merrill Professor of Philosophy at Bowdoin College, currently on leave for the 2025–2026 academic year. He holds a PhD in Philosophy from Princeton University (1994) and an A.B. in Philosophy from Harvard University (1986, magna cum laude). His research focuses on action explanation, free will, teleological realism, medical ethics, and moral relativism. He has authored influential books like Free Will and Action Explanation: A Non-Causal, Compatibilist Account (2016) and Teleological Realism: Mind, Agency, and Explanation (2005). His recent work critiques libertarian political principles, engages in interdisciplinary medical ethics, and explores agency theory.

His publications span philosophical journals (e.g., Philosophical Studies, Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice), edited volumes, and op-eds addressing contemporary issues like socialism, LGBTQ+ rights, and healthcare policy. Collaborations with scholars like Donald Stanley and Guido Löhrer highlight his engagement with international philosophical debates. Current projects include Socialism: A Logical Introduction and work on moral relativism and nihilism.

Dr. Sehon’s academic service includes invited lectures at institutions worldwide (e.g., Ruhr-Universität Bochum, University of Delaware) and presentations on topics such as teleology and the philosophy of Donald Davidson. His work bridges analytic philosophy with practical ethics, emphasizing rigorous argumentation and interdisciplinary dialogue.