Heather Salazar

Education

PhD, Philosophy, University of California, Santa Barbara
MA, Philosophy, University of California, Santa Barbara
BS, Psychology, Arizona State University
BA, Philosophy, Arizona State University

Background

My research focuses on a cluster of related issues surrounding the nature, origin, and force of our obligations to ourselves and others. Within this general domain, my current work is on enlightened self-interest both within Western perspectives (neo-Kantian constructivism and philosophical psychology) and Eastern traditions (Yogic philosophy and Buddhism). I argue that as people become better acquainted with themselves and the world, that natural motivations for caring about others often converge with philosophical arguments for governing our relationships with respect, kindness, and love. My teaching often centers on these issues within my classes in Ethics and Personality, Ethics, Ethics Across the Continents, Business Ethics, and Modern and Contemporary Philosophy.

Interests

  • Metaethics
  • Normative Ethics
  • East-West Comparative Philosophy
  • Philosophy of Mind
  • Philosophical Psychology
  • Philosophy of Language
  • Business Ethics