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Daniel Wack

Associate Professor of Philosophy; Chair of Business and Management

Daniel Wack

Meet Professor Wack

Years at Knox: 2005 to present

Education

Ph.D., 2009, University of Chicago.
B.A., 1995, Amherst College.

Teaching Interests

Aesthetics, ethics, philosophy of film.

Selected Professional Accomplishments

Publications

Artistic Medium. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. 2017. 

"Wittgenstein's Critical Physiognomy." Nordic Wittgenstein Review 3.1 (Jun 2014): 113-137.

"Noir Neptune: Genre and Gender Bending in Veronica Mars", in Veronica Mars and Philosophy: Investigating the Mysteries of Life (Which Is a Bitch Until You Die), ed. by G. A. Dunn. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2014.

Presentations

"Lessing's Laocoon as Model for Two Forms of Medium Analysis," American Philosophical Association's Pacific division meeting, Seattle, WA. April 13, 2017.

"Movie and Television Watching as Imagining Action," Society for the Philosophical Study of the Contemporary Visual Arts' group session, American Philosophical Association's Central Division meeting, Kansas City, MO. March 1, 2017.

 "Imagining the Possibilities for Action: Why Television Matters for Contemporary Philosophy," University of Quebec at Montreal (UQAM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada. January 27, 2017.

"Fantasies of Action in Contemporary Movies," Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY. February 22, 2016.

"How to Do Things with Medium in Art Criticism." Paper, The New School for Social Research, New York, New York, 2010.

"Genealogy of the Gangster." Paper, Université de Quebec a Montréal. Kinosophilia Conference, 2010.

what students say

  • Dan Wack's enthusiasm for philosophy is infectious. Professor Wack shows films and tells stories from his own life to clarify difficult philosophical concepts for his students, and these stories and films also serve as a conduit through which he connects philosophy to the lives of his students. Doubtless, Professor Wack's classes have given me a better understanding of philosophy, but they have also strengthened my desire to make sense of the world through my interactions with art and the stories that are told in everyday conversation.

    James Sheppard

    Philosophy Major

  • Simply put, Professor Wack is the epitome of a Knox professor; intelligent, enthusiastic and approachable. His obvious passion for philosophy is contagious and encourages student curiosity. His teaching methods are engaging and create a fun and exciting experience. Participation is easy in his class, where he considers every comment carefully and gives his attention to every question. Professor Wack successfully teaches students how to think deeply and more critically, enriching their studies and their lives.

    Ruth Amerman

    Philosophy Major