Profile: Daniel Susser

Becoming a part of the growing technological center that is Silicon Valley is one of the goals of Daniel Susser, the newest faculty member of the Philosophy Department. Delving into the ethical side of engineering and technology, Susser seeks to teach his students to question, clarify, and seek coherence as they study the world around them, while working closely with the students to help them become more engaged citizens.

Susser focuses his research on the philosophy of technology and often is engaged in politics and public policy, counseling and encouraging others to think critically about the ethical implications of proposed policies. Far from the typical philosopher image — aloof, impractical, and speculative — Susser uses his understanding of the world to explore new angles, and advocates for others to do the same as society continues to grow, innovate, and advance.

“I’m passionate about teaching people how to think critically about how we develop and use new technologies,” Susser explains. “My favorite moments in any course are when students call deeply held assumptions into question — when it occurs to them that the most obvious and ordinary things might be otherwise than they had always believed them to be.”

Drawing on his experiences from his studies at George Washington University, Stony Brook University, and his postdoctoral research fellowship at the New York University School of Law, Susser looks forward to working closely with the future designers, developers, and executive members of the tech industry who now study at San José State.

“I love technology,” he admits, “but I also worry about it. My goal is to worry about it rigorously and constructively.”

Outside of his teaching and research, Susser enjoys spending time reading, watching T.V., and spending time with his partner, who works as a philosopher in the nonprofit world. He avidly pursues the CrossFit training regimen and looks forward to the opportunities to explore the outdoors once he has relocated to the area.