Teaching Experience

University Teaching

Four years teaching undergraduate philosophy at the University of Edinburgh, leading discussion-based tutorials and supporting students with difficult material, argumentation and academic writing.

Private Tuition

More than six years of one-to-one tutoring in English, philosophy, essay writing and related humanities subjects, from KS2 and secondary school through to undergraduate level.

Schools & Summer Programmes

Experience designing and delivering structured academic sessions for school-age students in international summer-school and outreach settings, including critical-thinking, essay-writing and independent-research support.

Teaching Philosophy

I first became interested in philosophy because it gave words to the thoughts I knew intuitively but couldn't vocalise - thoughts about what mattered, the limits of knowledge and what it meant to be a human being. However, with time I've realised that this is the power of the humanities more broadly - it's exactly what poems, novels and social theories do, and it's also why these fragments of our culture are so important. I believe that's also what education is about - finding the words to understand ourselves, the world around us and hopefully live richer lives in light of that understanding. That's the love of knowledge I want to share.

For me, teaching and research belong together. The classroom is where knowledge stops being inert and is tested, questioned and made useful - where arguments, interpretations and metaphors get to breathe. Education is about more than simply learning to reproduce the correct answers - it is about understanding how those answers came to be true. Understanding texts and ideas requires identifying assumptions, evidence, potential objections, confounding variables and alternative interpretations. Developing this understanding boosts not only examination performance, but intellectual confidence and independence.

I also believe that demanding teaching need not be intimidating teaching. Students learn best when they are taken seriously, given room for individuality and challenged at the right level. My role is therefore to combine academic rigour with patience, careful preparation and an honest responsiveness to the needs of the person in front of me.

Student Recognition

Nominated by students for the EUSA Student Tutor of the Year Award Anonymous nominations praised the clarity, preparation, intellectual engagement and care shown in my undergraduate tutorials.
“Best tutorial I've ever had! Great discussion. Ethan was obviously engaged and cared a lot about hearing our thoughts and actually working through the implications of the material. Great fun.”
Undergraduate philosophy student · Anonymous award nomination

Education

PhD in Philosophy (in progress)
University of Edinburgh
2023–ongoing
PGCert in Philosophy (Distinction)
University of St Andrews
2022
MA in Philosophy (First-Class Honours)
University of Edinburgh
2018–2022

Awards & Honours

School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences PhD Scholarship
University of Edinburgh
2023–2026
Skirving Prize
University of Edinburgh
2021/22
Grant Memorial Prize
University of Edinburgh
2020/21

Publications

  1. ‘The Prudential “Now What?” Problem’, Acta Analytica (2026). View publication
  2. ‘Ethics Without Morals’, in Philosophers on How to Live: Talking about Morality, Bloomsbury, forthcoming; edited by Jack Symes and Ellie Palmer.
  3. The Amoral Life: A Practical Guide, Routledge, forthcoming; edited by Ethan Moore.

Selected Conference Talks

  • ‘Watching Fake News Ironically: The Aestheticisation of Lies’
    Fiction and Lies: ASIFF/SIRFF Fourth International Congress · University of Edinburgh
    2026
  • Respondent to Alfred Archer's ‘Sportswashing and the Corruption of Reputation Practices’
    Boycotts and Beyond · University of Glasgow
    2026
  • ‘Moral Judgement, Stigmatisation and Anti-Social Behaviour’
    What if Morality is a Sham? · University of Edinburgh
    2025
  • ‘Criminal Communes: Digital Communalism as a Mechanism for Challenging Legal Norms’
    The Pasts, Presents and Futures of Communalism · University of Nijmegen
    2025
  • ‘You Can't Have Your Cake and Eat It Too: Why Fictionalism Cannot Maintain Moral Commitment-Mechanisms’
    XXV World Congress of Philosophy · La Sapienza University, Rome
    2024

Selected Testimonials

“Ethan was always mindful, insightful and patient. No matter what the subject of our particular lesson was, there was always room for self-expression and individuality. I truly learned how to write with Ethan's targeted critiques of my assignments.”
Sofia · A-level English Literature student
“I have improved immensely under Ethan. He explains complex ideas simply and effectively, explores interesting off-spec content and clearly knows what the exam boards are looking for. My essay writing has improved immensely.”
Philip · A-level Philosophy student
“Ethan communicates and delivers ideas in a clear and helpful manner. He adapts lessons according to the needs of the student and goes beyond lesson time to provide resources and guidance.”
Amjad · Parent of a GCSE English pupil
“Ethan's commitment to students' understanding and wellbeing is evident in every tutorial. What impresses me most is his genuine care: Ethan creates an encouraging learning environment where students feel respected and motivated to improve”
Anonymous Undergraduate Philosophy Student · EUSA Student Tutor of the Year Award nomination

Safeguarding

I hold an Enhanced DBS certificate with Update Service membership and Disclosure Scotland PVG membership. Evidence can be shared with families, schools and organisations upon request.