UW Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Hosts Lecture on Bullying and Stoicism

Published April 10, 2023

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The University of Wyoming Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies will host a lecture from professor and author Matthew Sharpe at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 13, in Room 127 of the UW College of Business Building.

Sharpe, an associate professor of philosophy at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia, will base his talk on the principles of Stoic philosophy. The lecture, titled “Bullying, Culture and Stoicism,” will explore the dynamics of bullying in adult life and the workplace.

Sharpe says these dynamics “often play out very differently from the old idea of the screaming boss or manager” but instead involve “subtle forms of blame-shifting, gaslighting and ostracism.”

Rob Colter, head of UW’s Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, believes this is an exciting and essential event for UW to host.

“We are very excited to welcome Matthew Sharpe, who works at the forefront of the ‘Philosophy as a Way of Life’ movement,” Colter says. “Sharpe’s work explores the many ways in which philosophical thinking about values and how we think of ourselves in relation to each other and the larger world can help us to live better, fuller lives.”

Colter also says this lecture will provide practical and valuable education for people experiencing bullying in their lives or careers.

“In this talk, Sharpe will address cultural factors that legitimize and tolerate bullying and ways in which principles from Stoic philosophy can be of use to victims of bullying,” Colter says. “These are issues of interest to anyone reflecting on what it means to live well.”

Sharpe’s lecture is sponsored by the Dean’s Special Symposium Fund. Scott Turpen, interim dean of the UW College of Arts and Sciences, will provide opening remarks at the event.

Sharpe is a prolific author and researcher with more than 750 citations and over 30 articles published in Tier-1 journals across several disciplines. He has spoken at several Melbourne and Geelong philosophy cafes; delivered many lecture series at the Melbourne School of Continental Philosophy; and has been involved in several community groups.

For more information about Sharpe’s lecture, email Colter at rcolter@uwyo.edu.