Biography
Commonly Taught Courses
HONORS 100 (Illustrated Journaling) PHIL 150 (Freshman Writing) PHIL 213 (Introduction to Ethics) PHIL 214 (Introduction to Philosophy of Art) PHIL 214 (Introduction to Film Artistry, Theory, and Criticism) PHIL 300 (Advanced Philosophical Writing) PHIL 340R (Nietzsche) PHIL 350R (Heidegger) PHIL 350R (Levinas) PHIL 350R (Derrida) PHIL 350R (Phenomenology) PHIL 350R (Philosophy of Psychology) PHIL 414R (Advanced Philosophy of Art and Architecture) PHIL 414R (Philosophy of Film)
Biography
Travis Anderson grew up in California, where he developed a passion for art and where a trip to the public library one summer introduced him to Plato. After completing missionary service in the wilds of coastal and central Mexico, he earned a BA in philosophy and a BFA in studio art at BYU, graduating summa cum laude with honors. He subsequently completed his MA and PhD degrees in philosophy at Loyola University of Chicago. After joining the faculty of BYU he earned Master Gardener and Advanced Master Gardener certifications through USU extension programs, curated an exhibit at the BYU Museum of Art, served 7 years as Director of the BYU International Cinema program, and two terms as Chair of the Philosophy Department. He is currently an Associate Professor of Philosophy.
Dr. Anderson’s advice for choosing a major: Consider the values, activities, and pursuits you are most passionate about, then reflect on whether the courses and programs you are taking as a university student either amplify or suppress those passions. Choose a career path that will build your values and character while feeding one or more of your passions in the company of others who share them. You only have one life. Don’t waste it pursuing ends that don’t fill you with joy and grow goodness.
Links
“A Philosophical Gardener.” 2012 BYU Radio Interview with Dean Duncan on “This’ll Take a While”
“Illuminating Your Life: Illustrated Journaling.” 2012 Video short for BYU College of Humanities
“Iranian and Mormon Film.” 2010 BYU Radio interview with Marcus Vincent on “Thinking Aloud”
Research Interests
Phenomenology; philosophy of art, film and architecture; contemporary French and German philosophy (primarily Heidegger, Levinas, Derrida, Nietzsche); philosophy of psychology; history and philosophy of film; philosophy of economics; studio drawing and painting; writing and critical thinking pedagogyTeaching Interests
Phenomenology; philosophy of art, film and architecture; modern German philosophy, and contemporary French and German philosophy; philosophy of psychology; history of philosophy and Western civilization; film history, conventions and theory; studio drawing and painting, and art journaling; writing and critical thinkingAdministrative Assignments
- Department of Philosophy: Department Chair (2012 - 2016)
- International Cinema Program, College of Humanities: Director (2000 - 2006)
Professional Citizenship
- Editor, Associate Editor, Society for Philosophy in the Contemporary World (2014 - 2015)