Background

Hi, I’m Dr. Mark S. Fagiano, a philosopher focused on the intersections of ethics, philosophy, and the transformative role of artificial intelligence. My journey in philosophy began with a deep dive into American Pragmatism and the History of Philosophy, and over time, I’ve used these traditions, along with other disciplines, to interpret and engage with contemporary issues like AI ethics, empathy, and the impact of technology on society.

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I earned my Ph.D. in Philosophy from Emory University, where my dissertation, A Philosophy of Race: Pragmatism and Social Meliorism, explored the intersections of race, pragmatism, and social change. Since then, I’ve sought to bridge the gap between philosophical ideas and real-world challenges, teaching a range of courses—from AI ethics and business ethics to philosophy of law—and creating innovative learning experiences that incorporate virtual and extended reality to engage students with complex philosophical concepts.

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Currently, I’m an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Washington State University, where I continue my research and teaching. My recent work includes my book, "Practicing Empathy: Pragmatism and the Value of Relations" (2023), and an upcoming edited volume, "Hyperrealism, Ethics, and Artificial Intelligence" (with Dr. Eric Litwack), where I explore how philosophical frameworks can guide our understanding of AI’s ethical challenges.

 

In addition to my academic role, I’ve presented at conferences worldwide and founded XR Hyperlearning, a project blending extended reality and AI to create immersive, philosophy-driven educational experiences. My work on the ethical implications of AI and its influence on moral decision-making is a major focus of my research and teaching.