Jay Odenbaugh

I am the James F. Miller Professor of Humanities and Professor of Philosophy in the Department of Philosophy at Lewis & Clark College. My main areas of research interest are in the philosophy of biology and environmental philosophy. In the history of philosophy, I am especially captivated by the American pragmatists. Here is my CV.

My research has focused on foundational issues in ecology and conservation biology. I recently wrote a short book on models used in these sciences naturally titled, Ecological Models, published by Cambridge University Press. I also have an interest in the emotions — what they are, how they evolved, and are expressed. On that subject, I have a book manuscript under review entitled In a Sentimental Mood: Emotion, Evolution, and Expression. It is an interdisciplinary exploration of what psychology, behavioral ecology, neuroscience, and evolutionary biology have to say about our emotions and their expression. I am working on an introductory book on the philosophy of biology for Routledge Press’ series The Basics.

Most recently, I have written “Owl vs. Owl: Examining a Environmental Moral Tragedy” on the conflict between the northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) and the barred owl (Strix varia) in the Pacific Northwest. A second paper “Should We Kill One Owl to Save Another” is under submission on the federal government’s proposal to permit the killing of 470,900 barred owls over the next thirty years. The management strategy is devised to save the northern spotted owl from extinction and protect the California spotted owl as well. Avram Hiller, Yasha Rohwer, and I have a Guest Essay in the NYTimes in which we discuss our concerns about the proposal. You can also hear me discuss the topic on OPB’s Think Out Loud, the CBC’s Daybreak with Chris Walker, KUOW’s Soundside, and WBUR’s On Point. Relatedly, I have also written the philosophy and ethics of de-extinction.

In the tradition of American pragmatism, I believe philosophy can be deeply practical. As John Dewey thought, it helps us solve the “problematic situations” we face.  As recent examples, in 2009 I participated in a working group on the topic of "managed relocation" (otherwise known as assisted migration), which is the deliberate movement of species due to anthropogenic climate change. This working group met to discuss the scientific, legal, and ethical challenges that managed relocation presents. Our essay on the topic "Managed Relocation: Integrating the Scientific, Regulatory, and Ethical Challenges" appeared in Bioscience. Here is a press release regarding the paper. In 2013, I participated in a conference and working group on de-extinction at Stanford University. In 2015, I participated in a workshop on denialism in science at Wake Forest University. In 2016, I participated in workshops at the Environmental Law Institute which brought together scientists, journalists, lawyers and one philosopher to discuss how to communicate scientific uncertainty more effectively. And, if you are curious, I was on the radio show Philosophy Talk in a discussion regarding the nature of wilderness and whether, and to what extent, Homo sapiens is simply part of or separate from the natural world. I also gave a keynote address to the Fish and Wildlife Service conference here in Portland.

Pragmatist William James noted, “A great many people think they are thinking when they are really rearranging their prejudices.” Critically reflecting on our beliefs and values is important not only for intellectual reasons but for practical reasons too. Our beliefs and values have effects — some beneficial and some harmful. Thus, we have a profound responsibility to think philosophically. My teaching is first and foremost an attempt to bring students to understand and respect that responsibility.