James Tartaglia

Biography Research and scholarship Teaching Publications PhD Supervision

Biography

After studying jazz saxophone at Berklee College of Music in Boston, U.S.A., I studied philosophy at University College London, where I graduated with a BA (hons.) in 1996, an M.Phil. (on intentionality) in 1998, and a Ph.D. (on consciousness) in 2001. In 2001-2 I was a Teaching Fellow at UCL and a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Birmingham. I then joined Keele Philosophy in 2002.

My main interest is in understanding and enhancing awareness of the nature of philosophical inquiry, which I think centres on the question of the meaning of life; in reconnecting Philosophy with issues of natural human interest; and in re-positioning philosophy within a contemporary culture dominated by scientific understanding. My main works in this connection are Philosophy in a Meaningless Life (Bloomsbury 2016) and Gods and Titans (Bloomsbury 2020). In addition, I lead the band Continuum of Selves, which combines jazz music with philosophical ideas.

For more information, including downloads, go to the 'Philosophy' part of my personal website.
To find out more about Jazz-Philosophy Fusion, and to hear samples, visit my band website.