Heidi Furey

Associate Professor, Philosophy

I am (proudly) a philosophical mutt. This is to say that both my educational background and my current work are made up of diverse collection of philosophical areas. I take serious the old saying that “philosophy begins in wonder” and I wonder about a lot of different things. I am especially interested in intersectional and interdisciplinary topics---including the semantics of aesthetic predicates, the ethics of technological innovations, and the psychological basis for pedagogical practices. In my view, some of the most interesting philosophical work comes from exploring and connecting seemingly disparate areas of inquiry. I am continually delighted by the prospect of venturing into unknown intellectual territory. And I am happy to have found a career in which the lack of knowledge can act as an incentive rather than a hindrance to success.

Education

  • PhD, University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • BA, University of Colorado Boulder

Courses Taught

  • ART 402: Special Topic: in Art
  • PHIL 150: Roots: Philosophy
  • PHIL 152: Roots of Modern Age: Philosophy - FYS
  • PHIL 152: Roots of Modern Age: Philosophy - FYS
  • PHIL 201: Ethics
  • PHIL 211: Introduction to Philosophy
  • PHIL 213: Introduction to Logic
  • PHIL 214: Critical Thinking
  • PHIL 228: Philosophy & Film
  • PHIL 399: Topics: in Philosophy
  • PHIL 401: Phil Sem:Beauty & Terror
  • PHIL 420: Independent Study
  • Research
    • Ethics, Applied Ethics, and Metaethics
    • Engineering Ethics
    • Philosophy of Technology
    • Philosophy of Language
    • Aesthetics
  • Honors, Awards, and Grants

    Grants

    • National Science Foundation “Cultivating Cultures for Ethical STEM” (CCE STEM) Grant. Co PI with Nicolas Evans (University of Massachusetts Lowell), 2017.
    • Chancellor’s 2020 Grant (University of Massachusetts, Lowell), 2016.
    • Service Learning Mini-Grant for Engineering Ethics (University of Massachusetts, Lowell), 2015.

    Awards

    • Teaching Award in Philosophy (University of Massachusetts, Lowell), 2015.
    • Residential First-Year Experience Student Choice Award for Teaching (University of Massachusetts, Amherst), 2011.
    • Puryear Graduate Fellowship (University of Massachusetts Department of Philosophy), 2009.
    • Herbert Heidelberger Prize in Philosophy (University of Massachusetts Department of Philosophy), 2009.
    • John Robison Prize for Excellence in Teaching (University of Massachusetts Department of Philosophy), 2008.
  • Other
    • Director of the Center for Ethics (Manhattan College)
    • Director of the Ethics Minor (Manhattan College)
    • Curriculum Development (University of Massachusetts, Lowell.)
    • Freshman Coordinator for Philosophy (University of Massachusetts, Lowell.)
    • Technology, Society, and Values Faculty Group (University of Massachusetts, Lowell.)
    • Transfer Coordinator for Philosophy (University of Massachusetts, Lowell.)
    • Graduation Coordinator for Philosophy (University of Massachusetts, Lowell.)
    • Gender Studies Faculty Group (University of Massachusetts, Lowell.)
    • University Council of Advisers (University of Massachusetts, Lowell.)
    • Advisor Bachelor for Liberal Arts and Advisor for Undeclared Liberal Arts (University of Massachusetts, Lowell.)
    • Advisor for Undeclared Liberal Arts (University of Massachusetts, Lowell.)