Jere P. Surber
Professor Emeritus
What I do
I am Professor and Chair of the Department of Philosophy and the current President of the Hegel Society of America. My areas of teaching and research are nineteenth and twentieth century European philosophy (especially Kant, Hegel, and their later developments), the history of philosophy (especially Plato and Leibniz), logic and metaphysics, the philosophy of art and aesthetics, and the philosophical implications of new media such as video games. In my spare time, I play Irish and American roots music in a couple of bands and mountain bike when weather and time permit.
Specialization(s)
Aesthetics Art and Technology Contemporary Art Digital Media Video Games
Professional Biography
BA, Texas Christian University (Biology, Philosophy, Psychology), 1969
MA, Texas Christian University (Philosophy), 1970
PhD, Pennsylvania State University/Rheinische Universitat, Bonn (Philosophy), 1974
Law School, University of Denver, 1979/80
Degree(s)
- Certificate, OTL Certification for Teaching Online, University of Denver, 2012
- Certificate, Writing Program Workshop, University of Denver, 2011
Professional Affiliations
- American Philosophical Association
- Hegel Society of America
- Hegelgesellschaft
- Kantgesellschaft
- North American Fichte Society
- Philosophy and Computer Gaming
Research
My present research projects involve (1) a study of the philosophical significance of video games, (2) the relation of politics and art in light of the 'end of art' debate, and (3) a more general study of the fundamental conditions of art.
Areas of Research
Featured Publications
- Hegel's Plato: A New Departure
- Kant's German Idealist Legacy: Philosophy as Systematic Theory of Science
- How Hegel Read the Platonic Dialogues
- Kant's German Idealist Legacy: Philosophy as Systematic Theory of Science
- 'Meaningful Choice' in Video Games: Philosophical Lessons from Video Gameplay
Performances
Presentations
- Kant's German Idealist Legacy: Philosophy as Systematic Theory of Science
- "The Dark Side of Home: Heidegger and the Politics of 'Home'"
- How Hegel Read the Platonic Dialogues
- On the Very Idea of a Method of Transcendental Philosophy
Awards
- Outstanding Professor in the Core Curriculum
- Distinguished Teaching Award
