David M. Kaplan

David M. Kaplan is Professor and Chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religion at the University of North Texas. He earned his Ph.D. from Fordham University in 1998 and has established himself as a leading scholar in the philosophy of food and philosophy of technology. His academic leadership extends to managing the Philosophy of Food Project, an interdisciplinary initiative exploring the philosophical dimensions of food systems.

Dr. Kaplan's research traverses multiple philosophical domains with particular emphasis on food ethics, hermeneutics, and technology ethics. His work bridges continental philosophy with practical ethical concerns, especially regarding food technologies, genetically-modified foods, and artificial ingredients. His scholarship demonstrates how philosophical frameworks can illuminate contemporary food controversies and technological challenges.

His publications reveal a coherent trajectory exploring how philosophical traditions, particularly hermeneutics and phenomenology, can address pressing questions about food authenticity, technology's role in society, and environmental justice. The articles demonstrate his interest in applying Ricoeur's hermeneutic theory to contemporary technological and food-related issues, creating a distinctive approach to practical ethics.

As an academic leader, Kaplan has edited significant reference works including the Encyclopedia of Food and Agricultural Ethics (2019) and The Philosophy of Food (2012), establishing foundational resources for scholars in these emerging fields. His work has helped define the philosophical study of food as a legitimate academic discipline.

His academic journey shows progression from earlier work on Paul Ricoeur's social-political thought and critical theory-hermeneutics debates toward more applied work on food systems, while maintaining philosophical rigor. This evolution reflects his commitment to making philosophy relevant to contemporary societal challenges.