Philip Bunn

The study of politics is ultimately the study of human beings, their needs, their desires, and their nature. How can we image-bearers of God best live together in peace in our political communities? How have people done so in the past, and should we emulate them? It is sometimes said that politics is the "art of the possible," but what you think is "possible" in politics depends on what you take human nature to be. It is vital,  then, for Christians with a biblical anthropology to make serious study of politics in both its theory and its practice, and Covenant presents students with an excellent opportunity to pursue that.

Education

• Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2023
• M.A., UW-Madison, 2019
• BA, Patrick Henry College, 2017

Interests / Specialization

• American Politics
• History of Political Thought
• Liberalism
• Technology
• Politics and Literature

Selected Professional Work

• “The Politics of Suicide: Miasma and Katharmos in Plato’s Political Thought.” 2024. With Richard Avramenko, Perspectives on Political Science, 53(2), 94-105.
• “Freedom and the Machine: Technological Criticism in Adam Smith's Thought." 2023. Political Research Quarterly, 76(1), 404-417.
• “Silicon Valley Stoics: Life-Hacking, Transhumanism, and Stoic Therapy.” 2022. Political Science Reviewer, 46(1).
• “Transcendent Rebellion: The Influence of Simone Weil on Albert Camus’ Aesthetics.” 2021. Perspectives on Political Science, 51(1), 35-43.
• “Communities Are All That’s Substantial: Kurt Vonnegut’s Post-liberal Political Thought." 2019. American Political Thought 8(4), 504-527.

Get to know your professor

Q. Favorite food?
A. It's a tough call between schnitzel and rouladen

Q. If you could teach any other major, what would it be?
A. Philosophy

Q. Personal Interests/Hobbies
A. Ukulele and book collecting (or hoarding, depending on who you ask)