Jeffrey Kaplan

Dr. Jeffrey Kaplan is an Associate Professor of Philosophy and Director of Undergraduate Studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). He founded and directs the UNCG Prison Education Program, providing academic programming at Federal Correctional Institution Butner Medium II. His research focuses on philosophy of law and language, with a YouTube channel amassing 28 million views. He holds a PhD from UC Berkeley (2018), an MPhil from Cambridge (2011), and a B.A. from Williams College (2009).

Education:

• Ph.D., Philosophy, University of California, Berkeley, 2018
• M.Phil., Philosophy, University of Cambridge, 2011
• B.A., Philosophy, Williams College, summa cum laude, 2009

Research Interests: Dr. Kaplan explores foundational questions in legal philosophy and linguistic theory. His work bridges theoretical analysis with practical ethics, particularly through initiatives like the UNCG Prison Education Program, which he describes as a mission to diversify access to education. His YouTube lectures on philosophy and law have reached global audiences, emphasizing accessibility in academic discourse.

Awards & Recognition:

• 2023 CAS Dean’s Award for Diversity and Inclusiveness
• 2024 Governor’s Highest Honor for State Employees
• Five Teaching Excellence Awards

Labs/Teching: He teaches courses including PHI 335 (Philosophy of Law) and PHI 119 (Introduction to Ethics). The Prison Education Program partners with UNCG’s Lloyd International Honors College for inmate-student writing workshops. Over 13 million views on YouTube highlight his commitment to public philosophy.