Dr. Samuel Rickless

Professor

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Biography

Samuel C. Rickless is a Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the University of California, San Diego. He specializes in several areas, including early modern European philosophy, symbolic logic, and moral political philosophy. Rickless has taught a range of undergraduate courses, such as Symbolic Logic, History of Early Modern European Philosophy, and Ethics, among others. He has also led graduate seminars focused on prominent figures like Mary Astell, John Locke, and David Hume, discussing topics such as moral sentimentalism and the ethics of risk. In 2018, he founded the UC San Diego Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl team and served as the team's coach for several years. Rickless has published extensively in notable journals, covering significant philosophical inquiries, including the nature of akrasia, moral responsibility, and the implications of conscience in law. His work often engages with historical and contemporary philosophical debates, further advancing the understanding of these critical topics in philosophy.

Research Interests

Courses

Symbolic Logic History of Early Modern European Philosophy Plato Freedom, Equality, and Law Meaning of Life Applied Ethics - Ethics Bowl

Requirements for University of California, San Diego

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:85
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:120
Overall
Required:120
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in physical, biological, or earth sciences, mathematics, or engineering. Differential and integral calculus. One year of calculus-based physics with laboratory. One year of chemistry with laboratory.
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose (max 2 pages)
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Application fee ($135 domestic / $155 international)
Specialization Notes

Administered by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Curricular groups include Climate-Ocean-Atmosphere (COAP), Geosciences (GEO), and Ocean Biosciences (OBP).