About

Looking for a place to call home in his early 20s, Shane Epting took residence at Temple Dog School, a "college in exile" in Anthony, New Mexico, owned by Jim Webb, a former humanities professor from Reed College. They spent their days discussing books, exploring ideas, raising chihuahuas, and watching cacti grow. 

 

​​​​​​There, his interests in philosophy and the nonhuman environment developed, eventually landing him at the University of North Texas, where he studied under the founders of environmental ethics. 

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He co-founded the Philosophy of the City Research Group​ to connect with like-minded philosophers during his graduate studies. He continues to serve as a codirector. The group holds conferences across the globe, including New York City, Bogotá, Hong Kong, Mexico City, Detroit, Madrid, San Francisco, Helsinki, Portland, OR, and Manila.

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​Epting has published six books and dozens of journal articles, given several keynote lectures, many invited talks, and delivered numerous presentations worldwide. 

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​​​He has been a guest on the nationally syndicated radio broadcast, Philosophy Talk - KALW, 91.7 FM, San Francisco, for an episode entitled, "Can Streets Discriminate?" Epting was a guest on the podcast Just Sustainability for three episodes. He was also a guest on the podcast, Thought about Food, for an episode entitled "Philosophy of the City and Food Sovereignty." You can learn more about his research in interviews with Daily Philosophy and with the Interdisciplinary Environmental Association.

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Epting is a first-generation college student who is no stranger to challenging work. In the classroom today, he strives to help students gain a philosophical view of the world surrounding them. He has created and taught several courses that facilitate such efforts, including philosophy of the city, transportation justice, and creating future cities. His efforts have earned him the prestigious Miner Alumni Association’s Class of ’42 Excellence in Teaching Award.