Matthew J. Moore

Matthew J. Moore is a Professor of Political Science in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. His scholarly work bridges Eastern and Western philosophical traditions, with a particular focus on Buddhist political theory and its implications for contemporary political thought.

Professor Moore earned his PhD in Political Science from Johns Hopkins University in 2004 and has been teaching at Cal Poly since 2006. His research explores the intersection of Buddhist philosophy with political theory, examining concepts like the self, political engagement, and citizenship through a comparative lens. He has developed a framework based on three core premises of Buddhist political thought: the absence of a permanent self, the limited importance of politics in human life, and the understanding that normative beliefs serve as practical guidance rather than obligatory commands.

His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on how Buddhist philosophy informs political questions, with works spanning traditional political theory, international law, technology ethics, and pedagogical approaches. The trajectory of his work shows increasing engagement with contemporary issues like artificial intelligence, digital citizenship, and mindfulness practices in the political sphere.

Professor Moore actively presents his research at major political science conferences including the Western Political Science Association Annual Meeting, where he has explored topics ranging from meditating machines to the political implications of new media technologies. His scholarly contributions have been recognized through invitations to prominent academic podcasts including Research On Religion and Free Thoughts.