Professor Bryan Yorton Associate Professor of Philosophy Religion and Philosophy Dept. Chair yortonb@bethanylb.edu Ext. 8241 Philosophy

As you can see I have lots of degrees, but I didn't pursue higher education to get degrees and become a professor. My academic pursuits are motivated by a quest for intellectual integrity- an open, honest, rational, and noble integration of my deep convictions as a Christian with the human search for wisdom. My interests are very broad. Outside Philosophy these include theology, history, literature, politics, psychology, and general science. Within Philosophy I seek to understand all major issues and areas. Thus my "specialties" are broad: the history of philosophy, ethics, philosophy of religion, and existentialism. I have found that the writings of Soren Kierkegaard, in particular his understanding of the role of imagination in the formation of ethical and religious beliefs, have helped my quest for intellectual integrity and I've gained some expertise in that area.

I am convinced that the human search for wisdom is fueled by an inherent drive, although often unidentified and repressed, to experience personally- to know- God. Thus, as a teacher of Philosophy, I strive to spark that drive, arousing the mind and the imagination, awakening profound possibilities and hopes, which may lead students towards a rich existence.