Terrance MacMullan is a Professor of Philosophy and Honors at Eastern Washington University (EWU) in Cheney, Washington, where he also serves as Department Chair for English and Philosophy. An award-winning public philosopher, teacher, and author, his research specializes in American Pragmatism (with emphasis on John Dewey), philosophy of race (particularly whiteness studies and anti-racism), Latin American philosophy, Inter-American philosophy (bridging North and South American traditions), pop-culture and philosophy, and philosophy for children. He explores themes such as the habits of whiteness undermining democracy, dialogues between pragmatism and Latin American thinkers (e.g., José Vasconcelos, Risieri Frondizi, Gloria Anzaldúa), the restoration of art in life, and critiques of American empire toward a more cosmic, integrated América.
He earned his PhD in Philosophy from the University of Oregon in 2002, with a dissertation on “Dewey and Du Bois: The Meaning and Consequence of Race,” and his B.A. (magna cum laude with honors) from Hamilton College in 1994. He has taught at EWU since 2002, progressing from Assistant to Associate to full Professor, and is known for his engaging, accessible style (highly rated by students) and public outreach, including appearances on podcasts like “Dragon Talk” (Wizards of the Coast) discussing philosophy through Dungeons & Dragons.
Papers and articles published in the Journal include:
- “We love and adore our fatherland like a goddess:” The Radical Catholic Nationalism of Pedro Albizu Campos (Volume 10, Issue 2 – Fall, 2019)
- “Pragmatism as Gunship Philosophy: José Vasconcelos’ Critique of John Dewey” (Volume 6, Issue 1 – Spring, 2015)
- “Fact, Propaganda, or Legitimate Aspiration?: Frondizi on the Philosophic Unity of the Two Americas” (Volume 5, Issue 2 – Winter, 2014)
- “Dividing Walls and Unifying Murals: Diego Rivera and John Dewey on the Restoration of Art within Life” (Volume 3, Issue 2 – Winter, 2012)