THE INSTITUTE FOR PHILOSOPHY IN PUBLIC LIFE
MISSION
The Institute for Philosophy in Public Life bridges the gap between academic philosophy and the general public. It cultivate discussions between professional philosophers and those with an interest in the subject, regardless of their experience or credentials.
IPPL was founded in 2008 on the premise that anyone can do philosophy, and that philosophy relates to all people’s day-to-day lives. Through in-person events, fellowships, internships, terrestrial radio programs, podcasts, virtual meetings, and social-network interaction, IPPL works to create a global community of curious, non-adversarial, amateur philosophers.
IPPL is committed to the notion that philosophy is useful, lucrative, and entertaining, and that philosophical communities are fun, fulfilling, and essential for democracy. Our activities are open to all.
The Institute for Philosophy in Public Life is an academic unit of The University of North Dakota’s College of Arts & Sciences. It is a non-partisan, 401-C3 organization operating under the fiscal agency of the UND Alumni Association.
The opinions expressed on this website or IPPLs media are not necessarily those of UND, it’s faculty, staff, students, or administrators.
“Because there is no ivory tower”
JACK RUSSELL WEINSTEIN DIRECTOR
Director Jack Russell Weinstein is a Chester Fritz Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the University of North Dakota. He is an award winning teacher, author of four books, dozens of academic and popular articles, and has edited six collections for both academics and general audiences. He is an amateur triathlete and a hobbyist baker.
Professor Weinstein’s interest in public philosophy is a long and committed one beginning with a weekly column in his undergraduate college newspaper, titled “My Philosophy.” He is now in his eighteenth year as the host of Why? Philosophical Discussions About Everyday Life, IPPL’s flagship show, and in his fifth year as co-host of the Prairie Public radio’s philosophical look at the news, Philosophical Currents.
Weinstein’s more specialized research focuses on the intersection of the history of philosophy and contemporary theories of justice. His main interest is in the connections between empathy, diversity, and economics justice. His most specialized work focuses on the contemporary relevance of Adam Smith, the eighteenth-century thinker whose books serve as the foundation for modern capitalism.
You can find his personal webpage at www.jackrussellweinstein.com.
Current Intern:
Please contact the Director, if you are interested in serving as an IPPL intern. Unfortunately. at this time, we cannot pay our interns, but we do offer 3-6 UND philosophy credits, per semester, for up to two semesters.
Previous INTERNs:
- 2023-2024: Madilyn Lee, University of North Dakota.
- 2023-2024 Sara Rasch, University of North Dakota.
- 2017-2018: Sam Amendolar, University of North Dakota.
- 2015-2016: Daryn Skjefte, University of North Dakota.
- 2015-2016: Lindsay Floyd, University of Oklahoma.
- 2014-2015: Madison Berns, University of North Dakota.
- 2013-2014: Michelle Bonapace-Potvin, University of North Dakota.
- 2011-2012: Caitlin Jensen, University of North Dakota.
- 2010-2011: Alexandra Hagen, University of North Dakota
- 2010-2011: Lisa Casarez, University of North Dakota.
Past Advisory-Board Members:
- Otávio Bueno, Professor, Department of Philosophy, University of Miami
- Sharon Carson, Professor, Department of English/Department of Philosophy and Religion, University of North Dakota
- Isham Christie, Student/President of Phi Sigma Tau Philosophy Honors Fraternity, University of North Dakota
- Nancy Devine, English Teacher, Central High School, Grand Forks.
- Paul Gaffney, Professor, Department of Philosophy , St. John’s University
- James Kambeitz, Production Manager at Dakota Media Access, Bismack, North Dakota
- Marina McCoy, Assistant Professor, Fitzgibbons Chair of Philosophy, Department of Philosophy, Boston College.
- Brian Huschle, Dean of Academic Affairs, Northland Technical College
- James Nickson, Programmer, University of North Dakota
- Daphne Pederson Stevens, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, University of North Dakota
- Michelle Rydz, Director, Development Homes, Grand Forks, North Dakota
- Brian Schill, Undergraduate Research Coordinator, Honors Program, University of North Dakota
- Eric Sondag, Technician, Network Specialists, Fargo, North Dakota
- Jaclyn Stebbins, Student, University of North Dakota School of Law
- Katherine Traylor-Schaffzin, Assistant Professor, University of North Dakota School of Law