Naomi Reshotko

Naomi Reshotko is a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Denver, affiliated with the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Her work focuses on classical Greek philosophy, particularly Plato and Aristotle, exploring their contributions to metaphysics, epistemology, and moral psychology. She has held faculty positions since 1991, chaired the Philosophy Department for twelve years, and taught at institutions like the University of Colorado-Boulder and Central Michigan University. Reshotko’s research examines the enduring influence of ancient theories on contemporary philosophy, including social constructions of race, gender, and disability. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges philosophy with dance and movement studies, reflecting her background in modern dance and yoga certification.

Education includes a Ph.D. and M.A. in Philosophy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (1990, 1985) and a B.A. in Philosophy from the same institution (1983). She transferred from the University of Illinois-Champaign with credits in Modern Dance (1981). Professional affiliations include the American Philosophical Association and the International Plato Society.

Reshotko’s research integrates ancient and modern thought, emphasizing how Plato’s and Aristotle’s ideas remain relevant in debates about perception, universals, and ethical frameworks. She critiques and contextualizes contemporary theories through a lens informed by classical philosophy, particularly in analyzing the role of 'anankê' (necessity) in Plato’s Timaeus. Her work highlights the interplay between cosmic structure and epistemological limitations in understanding Forms.

Her publications address themes such as virtue ethics, the nature of beauty, and the philosophical implications of social constructions. Reshotko’s teaching spans classical philosophy, metaphysics, and ethics, with a focus on fostering critical engagement with historical and applied philosophical questions.