About & CV
Chris W. Surprenant is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of New Orleans and the founding director of the Alexis de Tocqueville Project on Democratic Ideals and Institutions. Professor Surprenant earned his B.A. in philosophy and government from Colby College and his Ph.D. in philosophy from Boston University. He previously served on the faculty at Tulane University.
Professor Surprenant's research focuses on the intersection between moral and political philosophy. He has published peer-reviewed articles in a wide range of academic journals, including Kantian Review, The Journal of Social Philosophy, History of Philosophy Quarterly, The Journal of Moral Education, and Topoi. His well-received, co-edited volume, Kant and Education: Interpreatations and Commentary, was published by Routledge in 2011. Currently, he is examining the role of the state and of moral education in assisting individuals to become virtuous.
In addition to his research, Professor Surprenant has given talks around the country on topics in the history of philosophy (focusing primarily on topics related to the writings of Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Roussau, and Kant), contemporary moral and political philosophy, and educational philosophy and the aims of higher education.
In the classroom, Professor Surprenant is a dynamic instructor. In 2012, he was recognized by The Princeton Review as one of the "Top 300 Professors" in the United States.
His teaching and research have earned him grants and other awards from organizations such as the Institute for Humane Studies at George Mason University, Center for Engaged Teaching and Learning at Tulane University, Newcomb College Institute at Tulane University, Center for Public Service at Tulane University, and Charles Koch Foundation.
Curriculum Vitae
Professor Surprenant's research focuses on the intersection between moral and political philosophy. He has published peer-reviewed articles in a wide range of academic journals, including Kantian Review, The Journal of Social Philosophy, History of Philosophy Quarterly, The Journal of Moral Education, and Topoi. His well-received, co-edited volume, Kant and Education: Interpreatations and Commentary, was published by Routledge in 2011. Currently, he is examining the role of the state and of moral education in assisting individuals to become virtuous.
In addition to his research, Professor Surprenant has given talks around the country on topics in the history of philosophy (focusing primarily on topics related to the writings of Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Roussau, and Kant), contemporary moral and political philosophy, and educational philosophy and the aims of higher education.
In the classroom, Professor Surprenant is a dynamic instructor. In 2012, he was recognized by The Princeton Review as one of the "Top 300 Professors" in the United States.
His teaching and research have earned him grants and other awards from organizations such as the Institute for Humane Studies at George Mason University, Center for Engaged Teaching and Learning at Tulane University, Newcomb College Institute at Tulane University, Center for Public Service at Tulane University, and Charles Koch Foundation.
Curriculum Vitae