Expert in formal logic who adapts to your needs, abilities, and pace.

Find out more about Seth

• 1) When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I started formally in philosophy in college (1989), and went on to get a master of arts degree in philosophy (and theology), pursue related doctoral study, and worked as a teacher and professor of philosophy and theology for various academies and colleges.
  
  I started private tutoring, teaching, and coaching around 1990, mostly part-time. It is very enjoyable to share knowledge and to help others find pleasure in learning. I especially enjoy doing this directly, without having to do so as part of or through a larger institution. I now tutor, coach, or teach 40-50 hours per week.

• 2) Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  With respect to philosophy, ethics, metaphysics, epistemology are all fun, but my primary area of expertise and life's-work is formal/symbolic logic. This was the focus of my PhD work, too. A frustration here is that the way logic is taught in most colleges and academies is (1) generally incorrect and (2) a deficient, erring form of logic that contradicts real world experience. It can be a delicate balance to walk the line of helping a student succeed in his or her course, while still pointing out the errors in the system and guiding the learner toward better systems.

• 3) Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  I've had many inspirational mentors over my life. A very influential one is Dr. Frank Spina, who was a professor of Old Testament studies when I was an undergraduate. Also Fr. Michael Maslowsky, who taught theology for the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon. Both demonstrated a dedication to seek and share truth and to strive to do good even in challenging circumstances. These days, Archbishop Robert Burgess has been a good role model for me in that he emphasizes a sharing of care and compassion above (but not excluding) what is right or true.

• 4) What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  A good tutor needs to have a mastery of the topic's principles, an ability to discern the learner's needs, and skill with presenting the information (or questions) in a way that engages the learner's personality, abilities, and learning style. This can be difficult to work out, and is akin to psychotherapy. A good tutor needs to care about the other person, but also have the skills to move beyond merely caring to actually helping.

• 5) Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  On the philosophy/logic side, I continue to be impressed by and contemplate Socrates' claim as he defended himself in court, that his wisdom is not so much in what he knows, but in the fact that he realizes that he does not know, whereas others err in thinking they know when they do not. An important principle here is that truth should generally be proposed, and only very rarely imposed.

• 6) What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or are still facing in your subject?

  On the philosophy/logic side, the primary difficulty is (1) how rarely it is actually taught and learned (well), and (2) what is taught is routinely too abstract, complicated, or even positively wrong. For example, I have yet to encounter a publicly-offered course in formal/symbolic logic that isn't teaching known errors that are confusing to beginners.

• 7) Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  I am passionate about human flourishing and what principles we need to embrace, in general, to bring it about individually and societally. I also enjoy martial arts, especially jiu jitsu. I have been involved in martial arts for over 40 years, and in jiu jitsu for the last 17 or so. I used to compete, but am a bit old for that now. :)

• 8) What makes you a Superprof?

  A genuine desire, commitment, and skill in helping others learn and succeed.