معرفی
Michael W. Tkacz is the Bernard J. Coughlin, S.J. Professor of Christian Philosophy at Gonzaga University and President of the Society for Thomistic Natural Philosophy. He holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy from The Catholic University of America (1993), an M.A. in Philosophy (1989), an M.M.S. from the University of Notre Dame (1982), and a B.A. in Philosophy (with honors) from Valparaiso University (1975). His academic career at Gonzaga spans from Instructor (1991-1992) to Professor (2012-present), with a named chair since 2016.
- Education
- Ph.D., Philosophy, The Catholic University of America, 1993
- M.A., Philosophy, The Catholic University of America, 1989
- M.M.S., University of Notre Dame, 1982
- B.A., Philosophy (with honors), Valparaiso University, 1975
Research and Scholarship
Professor Tkacz specializes in medieval philosophy and the philosophy of nature, with a focus on Albertus Magnus's contributions to scientific method and metaphysical foundations. His work bridges historical studies of Aristotle and Augustine with contemporary debates in natural philosophy, teleology in biology, and science-religion dialogue. He has published extensively on topics like:
- Albertus Magnus's reform of Platonic division
- Occasionalism in Augustine's creation theology
- Neo-Darwinian epistemology critiques
- Recovery of Aristotelian form in medieval thought
- Revival of Aristotle's zoological research programs
Publication Trends
His 15 most recent articles (1998-2015) reflect deep engagement with medieval philosophy (Albertus Magnus, Augustine), science-metaphysics intersections, and Aristotelian realism. Key subfields include teleology in biology, occasionalism, eudaimonia, cosmogonical fallacy, and formal cause theory.
Academic Leadership
As President of the Society for Thomistic Natural Philosophy (2012-present), he promotes conferences with institutions like the American Catholic Philosophical Association, Jacques Maritain Center, and International Congress on Medieval Studies. He previously served on the ACPA Executive Council (2008-2011).
