معرفی
Margaret A. Watkins is a Professor of Philosophy and Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences at Providence College. Her research focuses on early modern philosophy, particularly David Hume's moral and political thought, with an emphasis on intersections between gender, race, and Enlightenment-era intellectual history. She also explores philosophical pedagogy through literary works like those of Jane Austen.
Her scholarly work critically examines Hume's treatments of passions, moral psychology, and social theory, alongside analyses of eighteenth-century discussions on slavery and colonialism. Key themes include the evolution of Hume's essays, concepts of habit and moral agency, and the role of affective states in ethical reasoning.
Watkins’ publications span over 15 years, addressing topics such as Hume's terminology ('affection'), Scottish Enlightenment cross-cultural exchanges, and the philosophical implications of habit from Aristotle to modern sociology. Her 2017 analysis of Enlightenment-era slavery discourse and 2023 exploration of race and gender in early modern philosophy highlight her commitment to recontextualizing historical texts within contemporary ethical frameworks.
Her pedagogical interests bridge literature and ethics, demonstrated in works like 'Persuasion and pedagogy: On teaching ethics with Jane Austen.' Though no specific awards or grants are listed, her extensive publication record and administrative leadership reflect her contributions to academic philosophy and institutional governance.
