Michael Vazquez

Michael Vazquez is a Teaching Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Director of Outreach at the Parr Center for Ethics. He holds a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania (2020), a BA in Philosophy and Humanities from Villanova University (2014), and a post-baccalaureate in Classical Studies from the University of Pennsylvania (2015). He also served as a visiting student at Blackfriars Hall, University of Oxford (2013).

His research focuses on Ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, moral and political philosophy, and philosophy of education. He advocates for publicly engaged philosophy, collaborating with K-12 schools, libraries, prisons, and community organizations to foster philosophical reflection. His interdisciplinary projects assess the impact of philosophy on cultivating intellectual and moral virtues across lifespans.

He teaches experiential courses such as "Ethics Bowl and Democratic Deliberation", blending normative ethics with community engagement. His work includes co-editing Cicero as Philosopher (2025) and publishing on Stoic ethics, Kantian duty, and educational ethics. He directs the NHSEBBridge initiative to expand access to the National High School Ethics Bowl.

His pedagogical philosophy emphasizes a 'Toolkit Approach,' integrating ethical theory with practical reasoning and facilitation skills. He collaborates with the APA and other organizations to advance public philosophy initiatives and democratic civic education.