St. Bonaventure University

Faculty

Woodruff, Russell J.

  • dr-russell-j-woodruff

    • ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT
    Philosophy
    ACADEMIC SCHOOL
    School of Arts and Sciences

    TITLES/RESPONSIBILITIES
    Associate Professor, Philosophy
    Chair, Department of Philosophy
    Member, Environmental Studies Council
    CONTACT
    Office phone: (716) 375-2470
    Send an email
    OFFICE
    Plassmann Hall 309
    COURSES TAUGHT
    • PHIL 335. Philosophy of Science and Medicine
    • PHIL 337. Death and Dying
    • PHIL 338. Medical Ethics
    • PHIL 341. Environmental Ethics
    ACADEMIC DEGREES
    • Ph.D., State University of New York at Buffalo, 1994.
    • B.A., State University of New York at Buffalo, 1980.
    OTHER EDUCATION
    PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
    • I have taught at St Bonaventure University from 1997 to the present. 
    • From 1995 to 1997 I taught at Clarion University.
    ACCOMPLISHMENTS
    I have published articles on the neutrality of technology and science, on the concept of efficiency, and on the distinction between pure and applied science.
    TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
    For me, the heart of being a good teacher is asking the right questions.
    CURRENT RESEARCH INTERESTS/PROJECTS

    I am currently working on understanding the concept of dignity and how aging relates to dignity.

    I am also researching the extent to which people can intentionally shape their character, using data gathered from a student assignment in my Good Life classes.

    PERSONAL INTERESTS/COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

    I am a hospice volunteer, and a member of the Medical Ethics Committee at Olean General Hospital.

    I commute to school weekly from Clarion, PA, where I live with my wife, who teaches sculpture at Clarion University, and my daughter, who keeps me young by turning me on to new music, and our five (!) cats.  I enjoy cooking, exercise, dancing, classic cocktails, playing pool and poker, and watching hockey.

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