Scott Ragland

Scott Ragland, Ph.D., is a Professor and Chair of the Philosophy Department at Saint Louis University's College of Arts and Sciences. He holds a B.A. from Asbury College (1991), an M.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (1993), and a Ph.D. from Yale University (2001). His research focuses on Early Modern Philosophy (especially Descartes), Free Will theories, and Philosophy of Religion, with notable contributions to Cartesian theodicy and metaphysics.

Key publications include The Will to Reason: Theodicy and Freedom in Descartes (Oxford, 2016) and co-edited volumes such as What is Philosophy? (Yale, 2001). His work explores topics like divine providence, free will mechanisms, and the intersections of theology and metaphysics in early modern thought. He has contributed to peer-reviewed journals including Archiv für Geschichte der Philosophie and Religious Studies.

Ragland's research also engages with contemporary debates on environmental ethics, as seen in his analysis of Laudato Si' and classical philosophical texts. His academic leadership includes editorial roles and interdisciplinary collaborations, reflecting a commitment to advancing philosophical inquiry in both historical and applied contexts.