Renee M. Conroy, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Philosophy

Interim Associate Dean of CHESS

Introduction

Renee M. Conroy is an Associate Professor of Philosophy and Fulbright Scholar. Her research addresses issues in the philosophy of art focused on dance, literature, film, and encounters with the pa

Research Overview

My research interests began with focused attention to issues in the philosophy of dance and the performing arts; they have expanded to include topics such as kinesthetic empathy, improvisation, co-authorship, popular artforms, and the aesthetic status of ruins. I have a special interest in all forms of “aesthetic return,” such as recreations, reconstructions, reenactments, and reimaginings.

Reading is re-reading, writing is re-writing, and thinking is re-thinking

Select Publications

Conroy, R. (in press). “Kinesthetic Imagining and Dance Appreciation”, in K. Moser and A. Sukla (eds.) Imagination and Art: Explorations in Contemporary Theory (Leiden: Brill). Conroy, R. (2019).

“Dances, Danceworks, and Choreographic Works: A Plea for Conceptual Clarity.” Midwest Studies in Philosophy 44(1): 7-20. Conroy, R. (2019).

“Rust Belt Ruins”, in J. Bicknell, J. Judkins, and K. Korsmeyer (eds.) Philosophical Perspectives on Ruins, Monuments, and Memorials (New York and London: Routledge), pp. 121-132.

Teaching Focus

I regularly teach introductory courses in philosophy, ethics, and aesthetics, as well as advanced courses in modern philosophy. I also relish designing interdisciplinary special topics courses for students across the university. Recent themes for such classes have included: art and law, art and emotion, fiction and metaphysics, philosophy and science fiction, and philosophy and the movies.

Previous Roles