The Team

I am a Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Notre Dame. My primary areas of interest are epistemology and action theory, and my research focuses on the nature and normative dimensions of deliberative belief formation. I'm also interested in theories of practical reason and value, the philosophy of religion, and medieval philosophy. I'm committed to making philosophy publicly accessible and relevant, and in my teaching and educational projects I emphasize innovative course design, practical relevance, intellectual formation, and classroom transparency. I defended my dissertation in August of 2018 and will receive my PhD from the University of Notre Dame in January of 2019. 

Laura Callahan is an Assistant Professor at Notre Dame and teaches the 9:25am section of GGL with Prof Sullivan. Her research interests lie primarily in epistemology, metaethics, and philosophy of religion, though she is also very interested in the applied ethics of motherhood and parenting. Her favorite philosopher is Kierkegaard. Less-obviously-philosophical interests include bluegrass fiddle, sourdough, and making pottery.  

Prof. Sullivan serves as Director of the GGL Program, and teaches the 9:25am lecture with Prof. Callahan.  Her research focuses on time, modality, practical rationality and the nature of religious belief. She is currently writing a book on God and the Good Life with Prof. Blaschko.  She also serves as Director of the Notre Dame Institute for Advanced Study.

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

Dr. Christy is Program Coordinator of the Philosophy as a Way of Life Project at Notre Dame and oversees the GGL Fellows program. He grew up in the town of Greenwich in upstate New York, did his undergrad at SUNY Geneseo, and received his PhD from Notre Dame in 2017. His philosophical work focuses on the philosophy of mind, especially the nature of perception and other types of conscious experience. His non-academic interests include bicycling and hiking, playing piano and guitar, and enjoying the company of cats.

Before coming to Notre Dame, Faeze studied philosophy at Shahid Beheshti University and the University of Toledo. Her research interests lie predominantly in the general philosophy of science, feminist philosophy, and philosophy of sex and gender, with a particular focus on the relationship between science and values. Outside of philosophy, she enjoys traveling, calligraphy and roller coasters.

Sam is a Ph.D. student in the philosophy track of the History and Philosophy of Science program. He grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and received his B.A. in Philosophy from Transylvania University in nearby Lexington before earning a joint M.A. in Philosophy and Theology from Boston College. He primarily works on epistemological and ethical questions in the context of general philosophy of science. Some topics of particular interest include the social epistemology of science (especially trust and disagreement), the role of values in science, underdetermination, and the nature of evidential relations. He also has side interests in the rationality of religious commitment, especially defending a non-doxastic view of propositional faith. He loves and accepts both William James and W.K. Clifford, and you should too!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Pierre Duhem

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

All-time favorite Philosopher: Saint Thomas Aquinas

Aidan is a freshman who lives in Dunne Hall and is majoring in Philosophy. He is from Tampa, Florida and misses the weather. He is also a part of the Bengal Bouts.

Jenna is a junior living in McGlinn Hall (go shamrocks!). She is from the suburbs of Chicago. She is majoring in finance and minoring in philosophy. She enjoys playing on the Club Softball team and being a tour guide. She loves being a fellow because it gives people the opportunity to talk about deep/controversial issues with their peers. 

All-time favorite Philosopher: Aristotle

Katie Brown is a senior Finance major from Green Bay, Wisconsin. She is also completing a Computing and Digital Technologies minor. With any extra electives she has, Katie enjoys taking philosophy courses, and particularly enjoyed her time in GGL. She is excited to see how you develop your own philosophical thoughts throughout the course!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Descartes

Joseph is a freshman from South Bend living in Stanford Hall. He is planning on pursuing the Reilly Dual Degree Program in Computer Science and either Philosophy or PLS. He loves board games, science fiction, and discussing any kind of question in depth in his free time (especially philosophical or etymological), and also sings in the Notre Dame Liturgical Choir. He looks forward to helping spread the love of in-depth discussion through God and The Good Life. 

All-time Favorite Philosopher: Socrates/Plato

Ryan is a sophomore Business major living in Fisher Hall. He grew up in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio and is a graduate of Saint Ignatius High School. He is a big fan of Cleveland Browns football, Classic and Alternative Rock music, and existential philosophy. In addition to two thought-provoking semesters of philosophy in his freshman year, Ryan has taken Catholic school Theology courses for the past sixteen years and has entertained many “deep conversations” past midnight in his dorm room. If you want to talk about how Tyrod Taylor and the Browns will win the AFC North, The Strokes' rejuvenation of rock music, 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

I'm a Junior studying both Neuroscience and Philosophy; hoping to one day be a doctor. I come from the great state of South Dakota and live in St. Edward's Hall.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Parmenides

I'm a freshman computer science major currently living in Carroll Hall. I grew up in the suburbs of Los Angeles, contemplating the great mysteries of life while watching the sunset from the beautiful beaches of California. I love music, and I'm especially enthusiastic about the works of the two greatest artists to grace this earth: David Bowie and Kanye West. I've always believed that philosophy is the cornerstone for success in all facets of life, so I can't wait to share my love of philosophical thought with my GGL dialogue group!

Julia is a freshman philosophy and peace studies major from Raleigh, North Carolina. When she is not working on philosophy related things, you can usually find her down at the Notre Dame boathouse with the ND rowing team, running a news camera for a sports game, or just goofing around with friends. 

All-time favorite Philosopher: Aquinas

I’m a current junior from Randolph, NJ majoring in Finance and ACMS. I live in Lyons Hall, and I’m a part of ND Circle K to get involved in community service around South Bend. Even though my majors have nothing to do with philosophy, GGL sparked my interest in the subject, and I can’t wait to get to know the new GGL students!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Marcus Aurelius

Hi, my name is Ariana (Ari). I am a junior studying pre-med and economics. I plan to become a doctor in the future. I am from Miami, FL and I love to be out on the ocean, playing sports or doing anything that involves spending time outdoors. I have a younger brother, three cats and two dogs at home. I really enjoyed the class last semester and I'm excited to get to know everyone and look forward to having great discussions!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Nietzsche 

Elijah is a sophomore philosophy and history major from the mysterious kingdom of South Bend, Indiana (or Dunne Hall, depending on whether or not you ask his rector). He's pretty sure his blood is blue and gold, yet can provide no phenomenological evidence to support his assumptions. Spiritually, he is 56 years old and his music tastes (Simon and Garfunkel, the Rolling Stones, basically anything from the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack) reflect this. He is a proud member of the Notre Dame Band, and plays clarinet and tuba (no, they are not even remotely similar). Hobbies include evangelizing Buffy the Vampire Slayer, following Notre Dame sports (and only Notre Dame sports), and geeking out about the most random of things. He can't wait to corrupt the youth with you all this semester!

Favorite philosopher - Nietzsche for the memes, Camus for the dramatics, Kant for the puns you can make with his name

Pete is a sophomore who hails from the best city in the world, St. Louis, Missouri, and currently resides in the Center of the Universe, Alumni Hall. Planning to major in finance and psychology, two subjects that at first glance one might pause and ask “how does philosophy even relate to that,” he has realized that contemplation and asking the big questions help to guide his life no matter what he plans on doing. Pete is extremely passionate about all sports, especially basketball, he currently participates on campus in student government and as a ND Tour Guide, and he loves to meet new people. He can’t wait to get started with GGL!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Aristotle

Haley Holden is a sophomore at ND, originally from Boston. She studies computer science, with a planned minor in philosophy. When she is not at the booths of North Dining Hall (pretty rare), she enjoys improv comedy and playing volleyball. While she loves to think/talk about death, she is also interested in life, especially the good one.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Diogenes

Cassie is a junior studying Neuroscience and ACMS. She is from Wilmington, North Carolina and currently lives in Pangborn Hall. She plays tuba in the marching band and in her free time she enjoys knitting, baking, and picking up trash off the ground. This is her third semester as a Fellow and she can't wait for all the Deep Philosophical Conversations that this semester has in store! 

Favorite Philosopher: Peter Singer

Mia Lecinski is a freshman from Wilmette, Illinois and currently lives in Lyons Hall. She is planning on majoring in Philosophy and Economics with a minor in Italian. Her favorite hobbies include playing the ukulele, running, and watching The Godfather. She talks a lot, but she is most excited to talk about philosophy with her students this semester. 

All-time favorite philosopher: Søren Kierkegaard

Rahul is a Sophomore in Keenan Hall who hails from the distant lands of Goa, India. He studies International Economics and Spanish with a planned minor in PPE. Having lived in the Middle East all of his life, he will passionately argue that a well-cooked kebab is the key to achieving the Good Life. Outside of classes, he enjoys singing with Halftime A Capella and having deep conversations in the Keenan Hall stairway.

All-Time Favorite Philosopher: Peter Singer 

Jacob is a sophomore majoring in Marketing and History. He lives in Alumni Hall, and firmly believes it is the best dorm on campus. He lives in Phoenix, Arizona and is excited to continue working with students in the God and the Good Life class.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Fyodor Dostoevsky

Margaret is a sophomore studying English and Philosophy. She lives in Breen-Phillips Hall, writes for The Observer and participated in Women's Boxing (for like, half a season. It's harder than it looks!!). As a South Bend native, she is always willing to give out restaurant suggestions or simply discuss what makes the city so great. She is looking forward to great discussion and personal growth this semester. 

All-time favorite Philosopher: Aristotle

Patrick McGuire is a proud sophomore member of Siegfried Hall (go Ramblers!) studying Economics and Sociology! It's kind of tough for him to round out the classic ND introduction and explain where he's from - he graduated from high school in Wiesbaden, Germany, but has actually moved 14 times and lives in San Antonio, Texas at the moment! He's a massive! exclamation! point! enthusiast! He loves ND student government, languages, people, pretentious coffee and pretentious music (he especially recommends checking out Reflektor by Arcade Fire for some Kierkegaardian philosophical tunes), and is passionate about promoting human flourishing in communities at home and around the world. He is always eager to get to know people, especially those who share his passions!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Søren Kierkegaard

My name is Shay Mckinney. I am a senior Sociology major with a minor in Musical Theatre. This is my third semester being a GGL fellow

All-time favorite philosopher: Socrates

I'm from a suburb outside of Cleveland (The LAND), Ohio but currently living in St. Edward's Hall as a Biochemistry major and a philosophy minor. Although still pretty torn up that Lebron James left for greener pastures, I am really looking forward to getting to hear everyone's views on some thought-provoking topics this fall semester. In my free time, I enjoy sci-fi novels, carrying the squad to Victory Royales and exploring the greater South Bend community.

All-time favorite philosopher: Marcus Aurelius

Jasmine is sophomore in McGlinn Hall. She is pursuing a major in Science-Business and a minor in Science, Technology, and Values. She is from the suburbs of Chicago and is a huge Cubs fan. GGL was one of her favorite classes so she's excited to be back as a fellow.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Aristotle

Annie is a sophomore from Ormond Beach, FL who currently calls Flaherty Hall home and is pursuing a degree in Psychology. She loves goofing off with friends, drinking inordinate amounts of coffee, and chatting about life's big questions—sometimes all three at once! God and the Good Life was her favorite class last year, and she is looking forward to working with a fresh batch of GGL students this fall.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Simone de Beauvoir

Hello and welcome to GGL! I'm Tom Murphy, a Freshman living in Sorin College. I'm from Glencoe, Il, a north suburb of Chicago. When not studying philosophy, I enjoy writing for The Observer, playing basketball, and collecting vinyl records. My 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

Molly is a junior science business major aspiring to attend medical school after Notre Dame. She has a soft spot for GGL as her time in this class inspired her to pick up a minor in philosophy and she has been pursuing the good life ever since. She’s from Denver, Colorado where she loves skiing, hiking, and all things outdoors but has recently also called Dublin, Ireland home this past fall while studying abroad. Shoot her an email anytime to talk about all things philosophy or Ireland! 

Favorite philosopher: Descartes

Tom is a senior political science and Spanish major and a theology minor, originally hailing from Rockville, Maryland. On-campus, he is a four year resident of Keough Hall. When he's not philosophizing, he's chasing stories as the News Editor at The Observer, perfecting his backwards walk as an admissions tour guide, running, or stressing out over Washington, D.C. area sports teams. Tom has studied abroad twice, once over the summer in Jerusalem and for the entirety of last semester in Toledo, Spain. He's looking forward to re-joining the GGL team after a semester away!

All-time favorite philosopher: Hannah Arendt

I’m a sophomore living in McGlinn Hall. I’m from Vienna, VA, which is just outside of DC. I’m a political science major but am also super interested in languages and learning about different cultures and schools of thought. I also love reading and running. I’m so excited to get to meet new people and learn more about how different people see the world!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Rene Descartes 

Alison is a senior from Pasadena, California.  She is studying history, political science, and environmental science, and is working on a senior thesis.  Alison loves exploring a wide range of academic topics, including philosophy, peace studies, design, and foreign languages.  In her free time, Alison works in the Writing Center, writes for Scholastic, and feeds the campus squirrels between classes.  Alison loves to teach and will be going into Notre Dame's ACE program after graduation.  She is excited to spend a second semester as a GGL Fellow contemplating questions of morality and the meaning of life with a new group of students

All-time favorite Philosopher: hard to say, but probably Aristotle!

Conrad is a Sophomore at the University of Notre Dame. He is currently pursuing a double major in Accounting and Philosophy. His hometown is Las Vegas, NV and his favorite hobbies include listening to music, rock climbing, traveling to new places, and doing something adventurous with friends. On campus, Conrad works for Fighting Irish Media, and is the captain of the Notre Dame Debate team. He is very excited to discuss philosophical topics and contemplate life's big questions with fellow students, and I cannot wait for this upcoming semester.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Nietzsche

Here's my bio: Christopher is a sophomore at Sorin College from Harrison, New York, studying History and Classics with a minor in the JED program. When he's not entranced by the innumerable possibilities of the universe, he sings for the Glee Club and writes for the Observer. His biggest accomplishment is knowing every single lyric to Biggie Smalls' Juicy. Roll Quint. 

All-time favorite Philosopher: Immanuel Kant 

Lulu is a sophomore from Granger, Indiana living in Pasquerilla West Hall. She currently plans on majoring in FTT and Philosophy, with a minor in Musical Theatre. In her free time she participates in theatre, drinks lots of La Croix, and listens to good music. She can’t wait to dive deeper into questions of morality (should I go vegetarian??) with new GGL freshmen this semester.

Favorite Philosopher: Aristotle

Omar Ramirez is from Dallas, Texas, is currently living in Sorin Hall, and is studying Visual Communication Design (VCD). He has pretty much zero idea where that's going, but at least it's fun. When not experiencing existential dread, he is either playing video games, designing a logo, or watching anime.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Jean-Paul Sartre

Jillie is from the infamous city of trees (aka Sacramento, California).  She resides in Welsh Family Hall (#WHIRLOUT) and is majoring in Political Science and Global Affairs, International Development.  Her favorite things include: coffee, Notre Dame, her friends, and abstract yet analytical discussions regarding the meaning of life and what makes life on earth worth living (welcome to GGL).  Here’s to an amazing semester ahead!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Martha Nussbaum

I am a sophomore Neuroscience and Behavior major with a Philosophy minor from The Woodlands, Texas. I live in McGlinn Hall and spend most of my time playing a variety of intramural sports, watching movies, cheating on the crosswords in The Observer, and eating plenty of ice cream in South Dining Hall. I love to debate, whether the topic be about which state is superior (obviously Texas) or a compelling philosophical question. I look forward to meeting everyone next semester!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Fyodor Dostoevsky

Vy is a junior 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 Liaison/President 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 currently resides in Pasquerilla East Hall, but was born in Erie, PA, the snowiest city in the United States. She is a junior 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

I’m a junior Psychology major with minors in Poverty Studies and Hesburgh Program in Public Service. I’m originally from Burnsville, MN, but now reside in the lovely McGlinn Hall. On campus, I’m involved in marching band and Best Buddies. I’m very excited to meet you all!

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: G.K. Chesterton