Josh Hayes

Josh Hayes is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Alvernia University, within the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences. He is a dedicated scholar and educator whose work bridges ancient, medieval, and contemporary continental philosophy, with a special emphasis on environmental ethics, political community, and the Arabic reception of Greek thought.

• Institution: Alvernia University
• Department: Department of Philosophy
• Rank: Assistant Professor
• Contact: josh.hayes@alvernia.edu

His educational background includes a B.A. in Classics-History-Politics from Colorado College and a Ph.D. from the New School for Social Research (2005), where he studied under Claudia Baracchi.

• B.A., Colorado College, Classics-History-Politics (minor in German Studies)
• Ph.D., The New School for Social Research, Philosophy

Hayes's research explores the enduring relevance of ancient and medieval philosophy in addressing contemporary issues such as environmental crisis, political identity, and cosmopolitan citizenship. His work on Al-Farabi and the Arabic cosmopolitan tradition highlights the philosophical continuity between Greek and Islamic thought. He also investigates the role of poetry—particularly West Coast poets like Robinson Jeffers and Gary Snyder—in shaping ecological consciousness during the Anthropocene.

His teaching spans social and political philosophy, applied ethics (biomedical, business, environmental), logic, and historical surveys from the Pre-Socratics to 20th-century continental philosophy. He promotes philosophy as a transformative way of life through service-learning and community engagement initiatives.

The analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong interdisciplinary thread connecting ancient philosophy, environmental ethics, and cross-cultural intellectual history. His work consistently traces ideas to their historical roots while applying them to modern ethical and existential challenges.

Notable recognition includes an invitation from the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies in Saudi Arabia (2024), following the impact of his co-edited volume Aristotle and the Arabic Tradition. This engagement underscores the global relevance of his scholarship.

• Invited speaker and workshop organizer, King Faisal Center, Saudi Arabia (2024)
• Co-editor, Aristotle and the Arabic Tradition (Cambridge University Press)
• Founding member and editor, Journal of the Pacific Association of the Continental Tradition (JPACT)

Hayes is actively involved in academic service, directing the Minor in Community Engagement and mentoring the Reading Collegiate Scholars Program. He serves as chair of the Faculty Development and Research Committee. His grants and funding are not explicitly detailed, but his international workshop organization suggests institutional and possibly external support. He is a member of the Ancient Philosophy Society, Society for Phenomenology and Existential Philosophy, International Association of Environmental Philosophy, and the American Philosophical Association.

He leads initiatives that integrate philosophy with civic life, emphasizing community-based learning and environmental stewardship. His lab or research group is not named, but his collaborative workshop on Greek-Arabic philosophy and editorial role in JPACT indicate leadership in scholarly networks focused on continental and cross-cultural philosophy.