The Team

Prof. Cutter joined the Notre Dame Philosophy Department in 2016, after spending a year at New York University as a Bersoff Faculty Fellow in the Center for Mind, Brain, and Consciousness. His research is primarily in the philosophy of mind and metaphysics, with a focus on the mind-body problem, the nature of perception, and the moral significance of consciousness.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Aristotle

Prof. Sullivan figured out she wanted to be a philosopher while an undergraduate at UVA.  She went on to do her graduate work at Oxford (as a Rhodes Scholar) and Rutgers.  Prof. Sullivan also serves as Director of the University Philosophy Requirement.  When not teaching God and the Good Life, she researches philosophical problems concerning time, value, possibility, and the nature of religious belief.  She also regularly writes public philosophy pieces–including articles in The Huffington Post and First Things.  When not philosophizing, Sullivan enjoys cooking, biking, building elaborate Star Wars Lego sets, reading science fiction, and traveling the world.

All-Time Favorite Philosopher: Tie between Plato and Aristotle.

Prof. Christy teaches the GGL Fellows Seminar: Philosophy as a Way of Life and helps coordinate the Fellows program.  Justin grew up in Greenwich, a small town in upstate New York. He did his undergrad in another small town across the state, at SUNY Geneseo, and started grad school at Notre Dame immediately thereafter. His philosophical work focuses on the philosophy of mind, especially the nature of perception and other types of conscious experience. In addition to research and teaching, Justin currently works in the Rare Books and Special Collections unit at Hesburgh Library doing archival work. His non-academic interests include running, hiking, playing music, and enjoying the company of cats.

All-time favorite Philosopher: J.L. Austin

Kate Finley is GGL's 5+1 Postdoc for 2017-2018. She helps design the GGL website, the structures we use to create interactive digital essays, and the ways that we integrate digital design into teaching philosophy more effectively.  She's also a veteran GGL TA and resource for our undergraduate research assistants.

Malte Bischof entered the Ph.D. program at the University of Notre Dame in 2016, after earning master’s degrees in Philosophy and Theology from the Universities of Oxford (Oriel College) and St Andrews. His philosophical interests lie primarily at the intersection between metaphysics and philosophy of religion and are often related to and inspired by historical sources, in particular, ancient Greek and early modern philosophy. He is a passionate long-distance runner and a big fan of Shakespeare’s tragedies (except for Othello).

All-Time Favorite Philosopher: Leibniz.

Celina Durgin is a graduate student in philosophy at the University of Notre Dame. She is most interested in traditional metaphysics, particularly essence, substance, hylomorphism, individuation, metaphysical explanation, and category theory. Her hobbies outside of philosophy include running, reading, playing guitar, watching good movies, and finding creative and socially acceptable ways to eat chocolate at every meal.

All-time favorite philosopher: historical = Aristotle; contemporary = E. J. Lowe.

Ross serves as the Head TA for both sections of GGL. 

If he had to, he would describe himself as a son of the American West, an anarchist, a coffee snob, a Quaker, a Utahn, and a wisecracking wayfarer.

Professionally, Ross mostly studies social and political philosophy and ethics in pursuance of a PhD in philosophy here at Notre Dame. In particular, he spends an awful lot of time thinking about virtue ethics, environmental stewardship, and the treatment of animals.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Thoreau

Samuel Murray is a Ph.D. student in the philosophy department at Notre Dame. His main interests include the philosophy of neuroscience, psychology, philosophy of mind, and moral responsibility. Prior to working at Notre Dame, he was a research assistant in the Neurobiology department at Stanford and a visiting fellow at the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences. Outside philosophy, Sam enjoys running, cooking, hiking, and musical theater.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Leibniz

John Peck is a Catholic priest and member of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). He works in ancient philosophy (esp. Aristotle), medieval philosophy (esp. Thomas Aquinas and the tradition that grew from his thought), and metaphysics. The focus of his research is hylomorphism, i.e. the doctrine of Aristotle and his followers that every object is composed of stuff and a form that structures the stuff. He is especially interested in Aristotelian theories of the soul and its powers. When not thinking about hylomorphism, he enjoys priestly ministry at a couple of local parishes, listening to classical music, studying foreign languages (esp. Latin and German), and hanging out with his Jesuit brothers.  

All-time favorite philosopher: The one the medievals called The Philosopher, i.e. Aristotle. 

Stella Zhu is a Ph.D. student in philosophy at the University of Notre Dame. She is interested in ancient philosophy, metaphysics, substance ontology, and everything about artifacts. Outside of philosophy, she enjoys imagist poetry and very dark chocolate.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Aristotle.

Jenna is a Freshman who is double majoring in business and political science and minoring in philosophy. She is from the suburbs of Chicago and lives in McGlinn. She is also on the club softball team.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Aristotle

Katie is a sophomore from Green Bay, who currently lives in Lyons Hall. She plans to major in Finance with a minor in Entrepreneurship. While her studies are largely concentrated in business, she enjoys delving into the intriguing questions that philosophy poses. Particularly, she enjoys discussing how philosophy affects how we live our modern day lives and the decisions we make. GGL sparked her interest in this subject matter and she is excited to see how you develop your own philosophical thoughts throughout the course!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Plato

Undecided in Arts & Letters, Isabel "Issie" Callahan is a freshman hailing from Silver Spring, Maryland, a place best known for its love of politics, organic food, and Michael Phelps. In taking a gap year after high school, Issie became fascinated by people's different approaches to the human experience and consequently enjoys diving into life's 'Big Questions' with friends, peers, and strangers on the metro. She loved her time in GGL and is excited to get to know the newest group of GGL students!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Split between Fyodor Dostoevsky and Aristotle

Paul is currently a First Year Student planning on majoring in finance and economics. He's from Grosse Pointe, Michigan and went to a Jesuit high school in Detroit. His hobbies include going for runs on ND's campus, skiing, listening to country music, taking naps, starring on the Stanford Hall Sand-Volleyball 'B' Team, and trying (usually unsuccessfully) to convince people that the midwest is the best part of America. He enjoys learning about and discussing philosophy and is looking forward to being able to do that with everyone in GGL this semester. GGL was a great experience for him and he's looking forward to continuing exploring life's big questions with all of you!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Aristotle

Ryan is a freshman Mechanical Engineering major living in Fisher Hall. He grew up in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio and played football and ran track at Saint Ignatius High School. He is a big fan of Cleveland Browns football -- yes, even this year, 70’s Classic rock music, existential philosophy, and the contemplative afterlife. Although the 2017 Fall Semester of God and the Good Life was his first formal philosophy course, he has taken Catholic school Theology courses for the past fifteen years and has entertained many “deep conversations” past midnight in his dorm room. If you want to talk about Deshone Kizer’s development as an NFL quarterback, the incredible album that is Led Zeppelin II, or the implications of William James’ speech The Will to Believe, feel free to stop him on the quad to say hi!

All-time favorite Philosopher: William James

Bryce Dahnke is a freshman living Keough Hall. He is majoring in Economics with a minor in PPE. Originally from Greenwich, CT, Bryce is a diehard Patriots fan. He is excited to discuss even more philosophy during this upcoming semester of GGL.

All-Time Favorite Philosopher: Aristotle

Elle is a sophomore at Notre Dame, majoring in Architecture with a planned minor in Poverty Studies.  An experienced GGL Fellow, she is interested in the big philosophical questions (as well as less significant ones, like.. is it moral for one’s parents to give the dog away when she leaves for college?).  When not facilitating discussions, Elle is open for conversation about anything and enjoys long walks through campus, running and graphic design.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Kant

Emma is a Freshman from the suburbs of Chicago (very unique, she knows) who is living in Lewis Hall. She plans to major in Sociology with a double minor in Poverty Studies and Education. This winter, she was thrilled to participate in the service immersion Urban Plunge in Chicago, as she is passionate about giving back to her community and making a difference in the lives of others. Her favorite topics discussed in GGL were moral duty (Immanuel Kant) and utilitarianism (John Stuart Mill). GGL was by far her favorite class, and she looks forward to another exciting philosophy-filled semester.

Favorite philosopher: John Stuart Mill

Cole Edwards is a Sophomore from Sioux Falls, SD. He is a Neuroscience and Behavior major interested in understanding how philosophy plays a role in the development of the mind and is a firm believer that studying philosophy is a good and necessary way to cultivate one's worldview.

Melissa Fenner is a sophomore currently pursuing a major in Science-Business and minor in Philosophy. She currently lives in Farley Hall and plans to attend medical school after graduation. Her heart and hometown is Santa Fe, New Mexico, and her hobbies include fishing, watching sappy chick flicks, and traveling around the world. On campus, she also works as an Editor and Photographer for the University's Dome Yearbook.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Marcus Aurelius

Jacob Fry is a sophomore from Cincinnati, Ohio. He lives in the greatest dorm on campus, Alumni Hall, and he is excited to be working with some of the brightest individuals from the freshman class. He is a sports fanatic and passionate about animals and helping others. While he has no idea what career he would like to pursue, he hopes to travel throughout the world and serve others. You can find him complaining about foul calls during pickup games at the Rolfe’s Center, or you can pretty much spot him anywhere on campus. He’s the really really tall guy. 

Oneile is from Botswana and came to the US a few months ago. She loves reading about topics which she normally wouldn't be interested in because it helps her think about things that are outside of my interests. The first time she took Philosophy was this semester (GGL), She dreaded having to take a Philo course due to the misconceptions she held towards it. However, she has come to love the different readings GGL does and the debates. She looks forward to digging deeper into philosophy and hopefully figuring out in detail what living philosophical life means to her.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Saint Thomas Aquinas

Elijah hails from a grand total of ten minutes away in the wonderful city of South Bend, IN. When his nose isn't buried in a book (philosophy or otherwise), he can be found at band practice, wasting time on Netflix, or ranting to a hapless friend about how awesome Buffy the Vampire Slayer is. He can't wait to help introduce you all to the wonderful world of philosophy!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Camus

Andrew is a postulant with the Congregation of Holy Cross and a non-degree seeking graduate student. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a B.A. in History and spent the last two years teaching 4th grade with the Alliance for Catholic Education in the Rio Grande Valley. He is from Jacksonville, Florida and is currently enduring his first winter. He loves playing guitar, camping/hiking, photography, and discussing philosophy over a nice cup of coffee.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Gabriel Marcel

Haley Holden hails from Boston, Massachusetts. She has four older brothers with whom she has always enjoyed pondering the big questions. When she is not learning computer science or making sandwiches at work, she enjoys thinking about death. Life is also one of her interests, particularly the good one.

All-time favorite Philosopher: René Descartes

Anne Jarrett is a sophomore from a small town in the middle of Missouri. She is pursuing a double major in philosophy and gender studies as she is intrigued by the intersection of these in modern politics. On campus, she also works at the Writing Center and in Student Government. In her free time, she can be found doing yoga, listening to feminist rap, and searching for the perfect vegan taco.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Hypatia of Alexandria

Sam is a sophomore from the south side of Chicago studying philosophy, sustainability, and education schooling and society. In his free time, he enjoys art, travel, biking, and talking philosophy, not necessarily one at a time and often all at once. His past, present, and future is in education, though what and where are always evolving. If you hold any view that the general public might call 'radical,' you've got a friend in him. If you don't, he loves a challenge. Either way, he looks forward to philosophizing with you!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Friedrich Nietzsche

Chantal is a sophomore from Wellington, Florida; originally from Barranquilla, Colombia. She is the youngest of three sisters, who have all attended Notre Dame.  She loves languages in general and am particularly interested in Spanish and French. "I am very excited to be a part of GGL this semester as I think this course is extremely beneficial, regardless of your major, because it explores how we can apply philosophy to our everyday lives!"

Katie is a sophomore, Computer Science major. She lives in Farley Hall (Go Finest!), and she's originally from Colorado. She's so excited to be a GGL Fellow, and to have the opportunity to listen in on all the great dialogues of the coming semester. In her free time, Katie loves all things sports, video games, and puppies :). 

All-Time Favorite Philosopher: St. Thomas Aquinas

Caroline is a sophomore from Wilmington, NC living in Flaherty Hall. She is currently majoring in business and minoring in philosophy! On campus, she is involved in Orchestra, College Mentors for Kids, SIBC, Sophomore Class Council and intramural sports. She is excited to discuss the application of philosophy in our everyday lives with the incoming GGL class!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Kant

Fiona is a sophomore living in Ryan Hall. When she is not here, she lives in Naperville, Illinois. She is the fourth of five kids in her family, all of which have also attended Notre Dame. She is studying Computer Science Engineering but was super interested in Professor Sullivan’s Philosophy class. She typically enjoys math and science classes the most, but philosophy proved to be one of her favorite courses she has ever taken. She is super intrigued by the way the class deals with real-life issues and pushes us to think past what we have always accepted. She is very excited to have another semester of philosophy with Prof Sullivan and all of you! She is looking forward to meeting all of you and everything that lies ahead.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Peter Singer

Shay is a sophomore from Chicago currently residing in Ryan Hall. She is majoring in Sociology with a minor in Constitutional Studies and hopes to attend Law school after graduation. When she is not studying, she can be found reading, binge watching all of the Harry Potter movies, or contemplating the purpose of the human existence.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Descartes

Jasmine is from Hinsdale which is, very uniquely, a suburb of Chicago (go Cubs!). She lives in McGlinn, and you can frequently find her at South Dining Hall for hours at a time. Her major is Science-Business and she's following the pre-med track. GGL was her favorite class last semester, and she can’t wait to be back as a Fellow.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Aristotle

Mark is currently a Freshman living in Zahm House, from Wheaton, IL. He plans on majoring in Accounting, with an additional interest in pursuing either philosophy or ACMS. He typically enjoys more math-based, objective classes, but philosophy greatly interests him because of how it allows you to look at big questions (especially relating to religion and God) from countless different perspectives, arriving at many possible answers from various angles. He enjoyed GGL in large part due to how it actively engaged himself and other classmates in learning and debating philosophical topics, and he can't wait to help bring the class to the Spring 2018 students.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Aquinas

Tom Murphy is a Freshman living in Sorin College. He's from Glencoe, Il, a north suburb of Chicago. When not studying philosophy, Tom enjoys writing for The Observer, playing basketball, and collecting vinyl records. His favorite TV show is The West Wing, which I will probably recommend to you at some point during the semester. "I'm looking forward to meeting all of you and having some interesting dialogue this semester!"

All-Time Favorite Philosopher: Aristotle.

Howdy y'all, my name is Loyal Murphy (yes, like faithful or trustworthy). I'm from Memphis, Tennessee, so I'm avid supporter of soul music and good BBQ. I'm a Christian at heart, but if I had to pick a side, I'd go with Methodism. I find solace in music of many kinds, singing in the Folk Choir and playing piano for the past 13 years. I also enjoy running, fishing, and playing volleyball.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Friedrich Nietzsche (I don't agree with over half of what he says. He just makes me laugh.)

Molly is a sophomore Science-Business major and hopefully philosophy minor living in Farley Hall. She is from Denver, Colorado, though she grew up in Wyoming, and love all things outdoors. When she's not philosophizing or cramming for orgo exams, she enjoys a variety of intramural sports from lacrosse to broomball, volunteering at A Rosie Place, interning in a research lab, and cheering on the Irish! She is hoping to attend medical school after Notre Dame. She looks forward to meeting you all!

All-time favorite Philosopher: William James

Tom is a sophomore Political Science and Spanish double major here at Notre Dame. While he lives in Keough Hall on campus, he originally hails from Rockville, Maryland. When he's not philosophizing, you can find Tom running around the lakes, writing for "The Observer", agonizing over the futility of D.C. sports teams, or reading the "Washington Post" or POLITICO. He can't wait to get started with GGL this January!

All-Time Favorite Philosopher: Socrates

Cait is a sophomore political science major from Huntington Beach, California. This class is entirely responsible for her being more interested in Sartre than Game of Thrones (nerdy, she knows, but welcome to Notre Dame). She couldn't be more excited to delve into the questions that make life on earth worth living with this year’s GGL freshmen. Here’s to a great semester ahead.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Simone de Beauvoir

Conrad is a freshman at the University of Notre Dame. He is currently pursuing a double major in Finance and Political Science. His hometown is Las Vegas, NV and her favorite hobbies are listening to music, playing the piano, traveling to new places, and doing something adventurous with friends. On campus, Conrad plays piano at the Wednesday mass at Keough, and he works for Fighting Irish Media. He is very excited to discuss philosophical topics and contemplate life's big questions with fellow students, and cannot wait for this upcoming semester.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Immanuel Kant

Omar is a freshman living in Knott Hall. Hailing from Dallas, Texas, he hopes to major in computer science and learn about the intersection between it and psychopathology. Although philosophy is a relatively new field of interest for him, he has found joy in discussing important questions with others and seeking the truth, no matter what it may be. Besides studying and philosophizing, he also enjoys video games and anime and spends way too much time in his room.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Friedrich Nietzsche

Vy is a sophomore Neuroscience and Human Behavior major, and she is currently pursuing a Pre-Medical track. Her hometown is Port Orchard, WA and her favorite hobbies are listening to music, playing the flute, traveling to new places, and cooking/eating food. On campus, Vy is the Treasurer for the QuestBridge Chapter of Notre Dame and conducts undergraduate research at the Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases. She is very excited to discuss philosophical topics with her fellow students and cannot wait to expand her own philosophical views.

All-time favorite philosopher: Simone de Beauvoir

Emma was born in Erie, PA, the city you may have heard of "because we got 53” of snow in two days this past Christmas." She is a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering with an intended minor in engineering corporate practice. She loves competition, especially in sports like soccer, basketball, and flag football. Since coming to Notre Dame, she has fallen in love with rugby and plays for the club team here on campus. She also enjoys playing the piano and guitar and recently started playing the ukulele. She loves to ask hard questions and push others to do the same. She is excited to be working as a GGL Fellow again!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Immanuel Kant

Jackie is originally from a southern suburb of Minneapolis called Burnsville, Minnesota, but now reside in the lovely McGlinn Hall. she is a sophomore majoring in Psychology and Philosophy with a minor in Poverty Studies. Outside of schoolwork, she is a member of the marching band and hockey band, a proud member of Best Buddies (an awesome club you should all check out if you don't know what it is), and she volunteers at the Center for the Homeless.She's excited to meet you all and be involved in GGL!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Meghan Sullivan

Brady Stiller is a sophomore Biology major with side interests in Theology. Hailing from Louisiana, he enjoys fishing and grabbing a quality cup of coffee which too often turns into an occasion for deep conversation. In pursuing a deeper understanding of life’s questions through philosophy, he strives to find the existing connection between the Catholic faith and rationality.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Joseph Ratzinger

Hunter is a sophomore, from El Paso, Texas, pursuing a degree in International Economics with a concentration in Spanish. God and the Good Life allowed him to explore philosophy and apply it to everyday life. He is really into transhumanism, so if you want to talk A.I. or anything related to technology, he's your guy. He's very excited to continue his study of philosophy with you and looks forward to working with you this semester.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Marcus Aurelius