Peter S. Fosl

Peter S. Fosl is a Professor of Philosophy and Bingham Endowed Chair at Transylvania University, where he has served since 1998. He directs the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics program and holds academic leadership roles, including Editor-in-Chief of Cogent Arts & Humanities. His research focuses on David Hume, skepticism, early modern philosophy, and the intersection of philosophy with pop culture (e.g., The Big Lebowski). He has authored/co-authored numerous books, including Hume’s Scepticism, Pyrrhonian and Academic and The Ethics Toolkit.

Education:

• Ph.D. and M.A., Emory University (1992, 1990)
• B.A., Bucknell University (1985)

Research Interests: Fosl’s work examines Humean scepticism, early modern political thought, and the application of philosophical concepts to contemporary issues. He critiques metaphysical assumptions and emphasizes practical logic and ethical reasoning in education. His studies often bridge ancient scepticism (e.g., Cicero) with modern thinkers like Hume and Kant.

Awards & Recognition:

• Acorn Award (Kentucky’s outstanding professor, 2006)
• John William Miller Fellow (Williams College, 2017–18)
• Pushcart Creative Non-Fiction Prize finalist (2014)
• David Hume Fellowship (University of Edinburgh, 2013–14)

Teaching & Outreach: Fosl emphasizes teaching as fostering intellectual passion and critical thinking. His Bingham-Young Professorship on Liberty, Security, and Justice brought guest speakers to campus post-9/11. He also contributes to interdisciplinary initiatives like Philosophy: the classic readings and collaborates on pop culture analyses (e.g., Sons of Anarchy).

Labs/Teams: Active in academic journals (Hume Studies), editorial roles, and professional societies (American Philosophical Association, Hume Society). His work often intersects with historical and contemporary philosophical debates.