Empowering minds through academic excellence.
Emily A. M. Kluge
Ph.D. candidate
Philosophy
Duke University
I work primarily on Chinese and comparative philosophy. My dissertation constructs a concept of human dignity based on early Confucian texts. I have secondary interests in political philosophy and the philosophy of economics.
Research
Teaching
I have experience teaching large lectures, discussion-based courses, and small classes, and regularly use platforms such as Canvas and Sakai to support learning. My central commitment is to help students do philosophy rather than passively receive lectures. I design classes with clear learning outcomes and use guiding questions—such as identity and the good life. Class time involves activities like guided close reading, in-class writing, and collaboration on argument reconstruction. Units culminate in concrete applications that help students connect abstract ideas to familiar contexts, such as film or social media. Students can expect a range of learning opportunities, including low-stakes practice, presentations, and papers, along with actionable feedback on their work. I continue to develop my teaching through feedback from mentors and peers and through regular reflection on students’ questions, successes, and challenges.
Courses as IOR
PHIL 103S.03
Introduction to Philosophy
This is a survey course to introduce you to the major areas of philosophy: logic, metaphysics, epistemology, and value theory. The course is organized around the questions that shape our everyday life: What makes a life go well? When should we obey authority—or resist it? What does it really mean to know something? Who are we really? To explore these questions, we will read some classic texts from early Western philosophy, contemporary work by philosophers from historically underrepresented backgrounds, and texts from early China and India. Along the way, we will learn how to identify arguments in philosophical texts, spot fallacies, understand the role and limits of common sense, and develop philosophical confidence: the ability to explain why you hold your beliefs and revise them in light of better reasons. The classroom experience will include interactive lectures, discussion, small group work, and reconstructing arguments.