Michael Waddell

Michael Waddell serves as Associate Professor and Edna and George McMahon Aquinas Chair in Philosophy at Saint Mary's University, with dual affiliations in the Philosophy Department and Autism Studies program where he coordinates Graduate Studies. His academic trajectory includes prior faculty appointments at Villanova University and Augustana University in Philosophy and Classics.

His educational foundation comprises:

• PhD from University of Notre Dame
• MMS from University of Notre Dame
• BA from Cornell College

Waddell's research critically intersects disability philosophy—particularly autism spectrum disorder—with medieval theological frameworks, predominantly Thomas Aquinas' works. His scholarship spans ethics, philosophy of religion, and human nature, examining how ancient and medieval concepts inform contemporary disability discourse. This includes analyzing cognitive disability through Thomistic ensoulment theories and exploring ethical dilemmas in autism disclosure and assisted suicide.

His 2003-2019 publications reveal a sustained focus on applying Aquinas' thought to disability ethics, with recurring themes in autism studies, embodiment theory, and medieval aesthetics. Key contributions address the disclosure of autism diagnoses to children, assisted suicide considerations for autistic individuals, and theological interpretations of cognitive disability, demonstrating consistent engagement with both philosophical tradition and modern ethical challenges.

Professional engagement includes membership in the American Catholic Philosophical Association and Society for Medieval and Renaissance Philosophy, supporting his interdisciplinary work bridging historical theology and contemporary disability scholarship.