معرفی
Christopher Panza is a Professor of Philosophy and Director of Asian Studies at Drury University's History, Philosophy & Religion department. He has been a faculty member at Drury since 2002 and was promoted to Professor in 2015. Dr. Panza earned his BA from State University of New York in 1993, followed by an MA in 1998 and PhD in 2002, both from the University of Connecticut.
Dr. Panza's educational background includes:
- B.A., State University of New York, 1993
- M.A., University of Connecticut, 1998
- Ph.D., University of Connecticut, 2002
Dr. Panza's research spans multiple philosophical traditions with particular focus on Confucianism, virtue ethics, and existentialism. Originally specializing in early modern philosophy through his doctoral work on John Locke's philosophy of language, his scholarly interests have evolved to explore Eastern philosophical traditions alongside Western thought. His current work centers on intellectual virtues, examining how different historical thinkers interpret these virtues and advocating for their central role in liberal arts education. Dr. Panza approaches philosophy with a commitment to making complex ideas accessible, as evidenced by his "For Dummies" books on ethics and existentialism.
Dr. Panza's scholarly output demonstrates a consistent engagement with cross-cultural philosophical dialogue, particularly between Confucian thought and contemporary ethical concerns. His publications reveal a trajectory from traditional Western philosophy toward increasingly integrative work that bridges Eastern and Western traditions. He has developed a distinctive approach to applying ancient philosophical wisdom to modern dilemmas, from cosmetic surgery to sports ethics. His writing spans academic journals, popular publications, and educational resources, reflecting his dedication to bringing philosophical inquiry to diverse audiences.
As Director of Asian Studies, Dr. Panza oversees interdisciplinary programming that connects philosophy with broader cultural understanding. He collaborates closely with his wife Christie Cathey, a psychology professor at Missouri State University, on projects examining intellectual virtues in educational contexts. In the classroom, Dr. Panza is known as "CP" to students and focuses on "infecting students with a desire to investigate and grapple with big philosophical questions." Outside academia, he is an avid Italian cook and baker, and is married with two children.
