Justin Whitaker 

Senior Correspondent at Buddhistdoor Global

Buddhistdoor GlobalGoldsmiths, University of London

I have a background which has consistently blended aspects of Western Philosophy and Buddhist studies in their historical contexts and development, along with a wide range of volunteer, leadership, and administrative experiences. My B.A. is in Philosophy (with Honors) from the University of Montana, Missoula in 2004. There I began my focus in ethics with several classes revolving around theories of the good life as well as employment at and extracurricular activities (Ethics Bowl, participant and coach) through the Center for Ethics at the university. 

I also studied religions extensively at UM, taking several classes on Buddhism and acting as a grader several times for the introductory class. When it came time for graduate school, Alan Sponberg convinced me that the University of Bristol, with Paul Williams and Rupert Gethin, would be an excellent match for my interests. There I studied the histories of Indian and Tibetan Buddhism heavily but decided to write my thesis on “Buddhist Ethics: A Kantian Analysis” with Paul Williams as supervisor, earning my M.A. in Buddhist Studies (with Distinction) in 2006.

After my M.A. in England I returned to the University of Montana where I was awarded a 1-year tuition waver and teaching-fellowship in Philosophy. I spent that time furthering my education in Philosophy while teaching courses in Buddhism. 

In 2007 I returned to England and began my Ph.D. in the Department of History at Goldsmiths, University of London. My thesis is titled “Ethics as a Path: Kantian Dimensions of Early Buddhist Ethics” under the supervision of Damien Keown, completed 2017. While earning my PhD I taught online courses in Comparative Religions and Philosophy, Buddhist Philosophy in India twice, traveled elsewhere in Asia, published two papers in peer-reviewed journals, and presented at (and organized) several conferences.

My goal is to teach at a college or university where teaching quality and cultivating great students are top priorities.

Heroes of Progressive #Buddhism: Sebene Selassie | "[The Dharma] is so much more resilient and creative than we think."  www.patheos.com/blog… #progressive #Buddhist #diversity