Arif Amlani

Dr. Amlani’s research interests and teaching are in the areas of philosophy and philosophy of education. In philosophy of education, he focuses on the ultimate goals of education with special attention to the cultivation of reason in education. In philosophy, his interests and research are in the areas of conceptions reason and nature of reason. Dr. Amlani is also the Director of New Initiatives in the Dean’s Office, where he helps conceptualize and launch new initiatives in the school, including new degrees, certificates, centers, and institutes.

Register for our new course available Fall 2026, EDUC 201: What is this thing called ‘Reason’?

Dr. Amlani will be offering a new course titled: “What is this thing call ‘Reason’?” [EDUC 201]. This course will be an investigation into the nature of reason. Plato called reason an instrument worth more than “ten thousand eyes.” But despite centuries old deliberations on reason, we do not yet have a clear conception of what it is. Without a true conception of the nature of reason, we risk not being able to realize its potential for human development. An accurate conception of reason is relevant to all disciplines including education, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, cognitive science, and others, etc. It is also eminently relevant for quality of life.

Hence, the central, overriding question in the course is: What is reason? What is it for? How does it function? How is it related to other entities? How might we use it?

Readings in the course will include selections from Pythagoras, Plato, Aristotle, Locke, Hume, Kant, and others. The course will also provide students with analytical tools for examining and evaluating potential conceptions of reason—tools which will be applicable to students own scholarly pursuits.

Independent Study: What is reason?

Dr. Amlani is also offering an independent study (each quarter) on what is reason and its applicability in various disciplines (e.g. education, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, cognitive science, etc.) and to contemporary issues such as AI, goals of education, conceptions of mind, etc. Please contact Dr. Amlani for more information and questions.