Education

Ph.D., Philosophy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1988

Bio

Varner wrote one of the first dissertations on environmental ethics and has since published three books and over 50 shorter pieces on related topics, including hunting, animal agriculture and human nutrition, medical research, cloning, and pet ownership, as well as philosophical issues associated with the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the property takings debate. His current work focuses on applying the two-level (or “Kantian”) utilitarianism of R.M. Hare to questions about the moral and legal status of animals.

Research Interests

• Harean Two-Level (or “Kantian”) Utilitarianism
• Animal Welfare
• Animal Rights Philosophies (esp. how empirical science informs their application)

Office Hours

By appointment

Current Course Schedule

• Not teaching Spring 2020