Faculty Directory
Dr. Alexander U. Bertland
Associate Professor, Chair of the Department of Philosophy
- Email:
- bertland@niagara.edu
- Phone:
- 716.286.8633
- Fax:
- 716.286.8308
- Office Location:
- Dunleavy Hall, Room 357
Bio
Dr. Bertland joined the NU philosophy department in 2006 after teaching for many years at Hastings College in Nebraska. He started investigating the work of Giambattista Vico as an undergraduate and continues to study his writings. However, he also explores a variety of topics in Early Modern Philosophy and Contemporary Continental Philosophy.
He has recently published an essay in the volume Contemporary Italian Political Philosophy by SUNY Press and also in Doctor Who and Philosophy by Open Court. He has essays forthcoming on Vico and Italian Philosophy.
Focus of Teaching
Dr. Bertland regularly teaches ethics, business ethics, modern philosophy, existentialism and philosophy of art.
Current Research
The current focus of Dr. Bertland's research is on Italian Philosophy. One trajectory investigates the contemporary authors, such as Roberto Esposito and Remo Bodei. He is specifically interested in bioethics and contemporary ways of understanding the self. The other trajectory continues to situate Vico's ideas both in relation to contemporary political issues and in the context of other thinkers of the Neapolitan Enlightenment.
Educational Background
Ph.D., Emory University (1996), M.A., Emory University (1993), B.A., University of Scranton (1989)
Current Involvement
Dr. Bertland is active in the newly formed Society of Italian Philosophy. He is also a member of the American Philosophical Association and the American Catholic Philosophical Association. He is heavily involved with recruiting and retention efforts at Niagara University. He is also advisor to the department's chapter of Phi Sigma Tau.