Mark Fagiano

Mark Fagiano is a Scholarly Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Washington State University (WSU). His research focuses on American pragmatism, ethics, social and political philosophy, and the philosophy of technology/AI ethics. He is currently writing a book titled *The Art of Democracy as a Way of Life* and co-authoring an article on hyperrealism and AI's value-alignment problem. His published work includes *Practicing Empathy: Pragmatism and the Value of Relations* (Bloomsbury, 2023). He serves as an editor for the *Athens Journal of Philosophy*.

Education:

• Ph.D. & M.A., Philosophy, Emory University
• M.A., Cultural & Historical Study of Religion, UC Berkeley/GTU
• B.A., Philosophy, Chaminade University

Teaching Philosophy: Fagiano emphasizes critical thinking and linking theory to contemporary events. He encourages students to develop personal viewpoints through experiential learning, aiming to foster compassionate, creative thinkers.

Research Interests: Combines pragmatist traditions (Peirce, Dewey, James) with modern issues like AI ethics, democracy, and technology's societal impact. Current projects explore empathy's role in democratic processes and ethical challenges in AI development.