Monica Mueller

Monica Mueller, PhD, is a lover of the world and is fueled by an enduring sense of wonder. She is captivated by the moments when insight suddenly emerges, illuminating new paths of understanding. Despite her despair at human-caused destruction and degradation of our ecosystems, she is guided by a deep sense of responsibility and is committed to fostering collective action and resilience.

Monica is on sabbatical from her teaching in philosophy at Portland State University. With a PhD in Ethics and Social/Political philosophy from Binghamton University, Monica leads inquiry into subjects such as Feminist Philosophy, Environmental Ethics, and Phenomenology.  Committed to anti-oppression advocacy, Monica weaves conscientious awareness across her varied roles, from mentoring students to facilitating public conversations. Her dedication to transformative education is perhaps most evidenced in her work in carceral settings, where Monica offers courses that support the agency of those marginalized by overlapping oppressive systems.

Monica’s intellectual pursuits are concerned with cultivating wisdom and courage through praxis as an activity of self-actualization.  She authored the book Contrary to Thoughtlessness: Rethinking Practical Wisdom. Whether she’s guiding students through the complexities of Arendt or engaging in deep conversations about ecocentric holism, Monica brings a playful curiosity and professional rigor to all she undertakes. When at leisure, Monica enjoys hiking, backpacking, and adventures into wild spaces whenever possible.