Dr. Dennis M. Weiss
Welcome to my personal website. Here you’ll find an introduction to my research, writing, and public philosophy projects, as well as an invitation to explore the questions and ideas that continue to animate my work. My scholarship lies at the intersection of philosophy, technology, and moral life, with particular interests in philosophical anthropology, ethics, and the meaning of personhood in a technological age. Whether through academic writing, public talks, or community conversations, I am committed to examining how we understand ourselves — and our responsibilities to one another — in an increasingly complex world.
My Research And Scholarship
For over thirty years, I taught philosophy at York College of Pennsylvania, where I offered popular courses on philosophy and film, philosophy of technology, science fiction, and philosophy and human nature. Beyond the classroom, I held a long and active career in academic service: I served as department chair for nine years, sat on numerous college committees including Tenure and Promotion, led the Faculty Senate as its president, and helped develop York College’s First-Year Seminar Program, which I directed for six years. These experiences deepened my conviction that philosophy matters not only in academic settings, but also in public life.
Public Philosophy
Public philosophy has remained central to my work. I am the curator of PDF@Zoetropolis, a monthly film and philosophy series at Zoetropolis Cinema in Lancaster, now in its sixth year, where I lead discussions that bring together cinema, critical thinking, and community. I served as a speaker for the Pennsylvania Humanities Council and run a local philosophy discussion group, fostering spaces for reflection and dialogue beyond the academy. On this site, you can also find Triangulations, my Substack newsletter, where I share essays on topics ranging from posthumanism and social robots to cultural criticism and the ethics of technology. I invite you to explore, reflect, and engage with the materials here — and to join in the larger conversation.