Dr. Chris McTavish

Dr. Chris McTavish joined Athabasca University (AU) in 2010. Before joining AU’s Centre for Humanities, he worked as a Sessional Instructor at Loyola University of Chicago, the University of Alberta, and MacEwan University. His current research explores the way in which film illuminates and deepens our philosophical understanding of the human position in the cosmos.

Dr. McTavish teaches and coordinates a number of courses at AU, principally within the areas of ethics and applied ethics. His primary focus at AU is to foster and cultivate positive learner experiences in his courses and programs.

Outside of AU, Dr. McTavish serves as a Director for the Health Research Ethics Board at the Cross Cancer Institute. He also serves as a Director for the International Society for Philosophy in Film, and he co-hosts a bi-weekly podcast called “Philosophy in Film.” He resides in his hometown of Edmonton, Alberta, with his partner and son, where he enjoys social activities such as golf, curling, and good conversation.

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Research interests

• Philosophy and Film
• Ethics and Applied Ethics
• Kant and his critics

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Educational credentials

• Ph.D., Philosophy (Loyola University of Chicago)
• M.A., Philosophy (University of Alberta)
• B.A. Honors (University of Alberta)

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Professional affiliations

• Director, Health Research Ethics Board of Alberta – Cross Cancer  (HREBA – CC)
• Director, International Society for Philosophy in Film (ISPiF)
• Member, Canadian Philosophical Association (CPA)
• Member, Association for Philosophy and Literature (APL)