James Tuedio
Department
Philosophy and Modern Languages
Biography
Born a third generation Californian, I grew up in South Pasadena before it was assimilated into the great inferno, escaped to Santa Cruz and later to Colorado to enjoy the wonders of nature and engaging academic life, and returned to live in the great Central Valley when I was hired into my current position in 1983. I drink from the fountain of learning and thrive in the atmosphere of Grateful Dead music. I've driven cross-country more than twenty-five times and love to hike in the high country. I'm a dog person, but cats find me irresistible. I'm currently chair of the Department of Philosophy and Modern Languages, Director of the University Honors Program, and past Speaker of the Faculty, past Associate Dean of ALS, and past President of the Association for Philosophy, Counseling and Psychotherapy.
Academic Credentials
A.B. (Philosophy) UC Santa Cruz (1976) (Department and College Honors)
M.A. (Philosophy) University of Colorado, Boulder (1980)
Ph.D. (Philosophy) University of Colorado, Boulder (1983) (University Dissertation Research Award)
Area of expertise
Continental Philosophy (esp. Kant, Nietzsche, Phenomenology, Existentialism, and Postmodern Thought); Critical Perspectives on Rationality and Objectivity; Professional Ethics; Ethical Theory and Human Valuation; Philosophies of Mind, Knowledge and Reality; Environmental Thought; Philosophy of Technology; Concepts of Home and Identity; and methods of Philosophical Practice.
I have published a book on Perspectives on Mind, and numerous articles addressed to philosophical topics and issues in Phenomenology, Philosophical Practice, and Grateful Dead experience.
What have you learned from your students?
Lots of cool things: patience, alternative views regarding questions of meaning and value, great hiking spots in the High Sierra, interesting sources of contemporary music, idiosyncratic cultural idioms, and interesting interpretations of philosophical readings.
Why do students choose CSU Stanislaus?
We're convenient, affordable, small and intimate. It's a beautiful campus. It feels safe and relaxed, and people are helpful.
How do students succeed in your class?
Students succeed in my classes by giving careful consideration to the reading and writing assignments, and by participating in class discussion and asking thoughtful questions when they are curious, confused or frustrated about difficult material. They succeed when they take an active interest in their learning and when they engage course readings and discussion with eager attention.
What brought you to CSU Stanislaus?
I accepted this position (in 1983) because I found the campus faculty engaged and intrigued by the topic of my campus colloquium, and because there was a genuine sense of academic community and collegial relations among the faculty and students. I enjoyed the small-college feel of the campus and the agricultural atmosphere of the surrounding area. I also liked the proximity to the Bay Area and Yosemite National Park.
If you were not teaching, what other career do you see yourself in?
Park Ranger!
E-mail Address
tuedio@altair.csustan.edu
