Allen Thompson Oral History Interview

Exposure to philosophy as a teenager in the suburbs of Chicago laid the foundation for Allen Thompson’s academic pursuit of philosophy. He has lived and taught philosophy throughout the US, including Colorado, South Carolina, and the Pacific Northwest. Through his research in environmental philosophy, Thompson has explored adopting new perspectives on climate change. He writes about framing moral responsibility given the complexity of climate change, valuing altered ecosystems differently, and what it means to be hopeful in the face of an uncertain future.

Thompson describes his path from an unenthusiastic high school student to philosophy professor at Oregon State University. He recalls early nature experiences as a child, and later experiences as an adult living on a cooperative in Colorado. Other highlights include a discussion of moral responsibility and global warming, collaborating with scientists as a philosopher, and a broader discussion of climate change.