Gregory Fernando Pappas

Gregory Fernando Pappas is a Professor of Philosophy at Texas A&M University, specializing in Latin American Philosophy, American Pragmatism, Socio-Political Theory, and Ethical Theory. His work contributes significantly to the Departmental Research Strengths in Philosophies of the Global South. Currently, he serves as editor-in-chief of The Inter-American Journal of Philosophy, the first online journal devoted to inter-American philosophy with an inter-American editorial board that includes prominent philosophers from across the Americas.

Dr. Pappas earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Texas at Austin in 1990. His academic journey has established him as a leading scholar at the intersection of American Pragmatism and Latin American philosophical traditions, with significant contributions to the understanding of John Dewey's ethical philosophy.

Pappas works within the Latinx, American Pragmatist, and Latin American traditions in ethics and social-political philosophy. He is renowned for his expertise on the philosophy of John Dewey and Luis Villoro, having authored numerous articles and two significant books: John Dewey's Ethics: Democracy as Experience and Pragmatism in the Americas. His current research project develops "An Inter-American Approach to the Problems of Injustice," drawing on insights from American Pragmatism (Jane Addams, John Dewey), Latin American philosophers (Luis Villoro, Paulo Freire, Maria Lugones), and community-based participatory research, addressing contemporary issues of social justice through philosophical frameworks.

His scholarly output demonstrates a consistent focus on bridging philosophical traditions across the Americas, with recent work exploring topics like socialism renewal, inter-American philosophical futures, and the application of pragmatist thought to contemporary social issues. His research spans comparative philosophy, political theory, and ethics, with particular attention to how philosophical ideas travel across cultural boundaries while maintaining their transformative potential for addressing injustice.

• Ford Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship
• William James Prize by the American Philosophical Association
• Latin American Thought Prize by the American Philosophical Association
• Mellow Prize by the Society for the Advancement of American Philosophy
• Distinguished Research Fellow for the Latino Research Initiative at The University of Texas at Austin (2018)
• National Humanities Center Fellow (2021-2022)
• Senior Fellow at Maria Sibylla Merian International Centre (2019-2020)
• Fulbright scholar (2012-2013)

Dr. Pappas has served as president of the Society for the Advancement of American Philosophy and was recently featured in an interview with Peruvian newspaper El Comercio. His editorial leadership of The Inter-American Journal of Philosophy has created an important platform for inter-American philosophical dialogue. His teaching includes courses such as "Tech & Human Values" and "Philosophical Authors," reflecting his commitment to engaging students with both traditional and contemporary philosophical questions that address the relationship between technology, ethics, and human values in democratic societies.