• Stephen D'Arcy is an Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy, at Huron University College, in London, Ontario. He teaches courses in moral and political philosophy, and his research concerns democratic theory and practical ethics. He lives in London with his two children.

    NOTE: On sabbatical for one year, effective 1 July 2009.

Profile

(The following profile is reproduced from the Huron University College web site. To view the original, click here.)

Dr. Stephen D’Arcy

Dr. Stephen D’Arcy is an Assistant Professor in the Philosophy Department at Huron University College. His research concerns democratic theory and the ethics of militant protest.

Latest Research:

When asked to describe his latest research, Dr. D’Arcy explains, “The focus of my current research is civic virtue in the face of injustice, within the context of democratic politics. When a citizen becomes aware that grave injustices are being committed, at home or abroad, it is no doubt part of his or her civic duty to stand up and demand change. But how? Is it enough to vote? What if politicians prove to be systematically unresponsive to the concerns of certain people? What if they act to perpetuate or exacerbate ongoing injustices? When the political process is persistently unresponsive to reasons and arguments, civic virtue demands that citizens refuse to take ‘no’ for an answer.”

On Research and Teaching:

Regarding how his research is relevant to today’s student Dr. D’Arcy says that students are also citizens, and therefore have a responsibility to be active citizens. “My research is about the relation between efforts to oppose injustice and the nature of civic virtue in a democratic society, so it touches on matters to which every citizen needs to be attentive, and that includes students.”

He strongly encourages students to get involved in research and has had several students work for him as research assistants. Dr. D’Arcy finds this to be a great opportunity for students to see a different aspect of the university and allows them to expand their knowledge and understanding.

Dr. D’Arcy believes that many students are active citizens who, in one way or another, are committed to working for a more just, more democratic society. He encourages students to inject their personal convictions and values into class discussions. “That’s important, I think, because education is not a passive affair, in which students learn to parrot whatever a professor tells them,” he says. “Education — especially an education in philosophy — is ultimately about dialogue. It is about gaining clarity about what we believe, and insight into why others might see things differently.”

Recent Publications:

“Is There Ever an Obligation to Commit Welfare Fraud?” (Journal of Value Inquiry, forthcoming, 2008)

“The Militant Protester as Model Citizen” (Peace Review: A Journal of Social Justice, Volume 20, Number 3, forthcoming, 2008)

“Deliberative Democracy, Direct Action, and Animal Advocacy” (Journal for Critical Animal Studies, Volume V, Issue 2, 2007)

“The ‘Jamaican Criminal’ in Toronto, 1994: A Critical Ontology” (Canadian Journal of Communication, Volume 32, Number 2, 2007: 241-259)