Exploring Truth, Language, and Logic with OLLI Scholar Brian Tebbitt
Brian Tebbitt’s PhD dissertation, The Nature of Human Truths, explores the work of the classical Pragmatist F.C.S. Schiller (1864 –1937) and defends a perspectival theory of truth for the cognitive domain. “My research is primarily focused on the relationship between classical Pragmatism and embodied cognitive science, especially with regard to conceptions of truth, language, and logic,” he shares.
Tebbitt, who earned a BA in philosophy and Arabic language at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and an MA in philosophy from the University of Minnesota, defended his thesis in January 2024 and was conferred with a PhD in cognitive science from the University the following month.
Just one year prior, Tebbitt was selected to be an OLLI Scholar for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), which provided him with the opportunity to gain valuable experience by teaching OLLI members—most of whom are over 50 years of age—and earn a stipend.
In fall 2023, he taught The Nature of the Mind: The Innovative Field of Cognitive Science, a course that might easily have been called Cognitive Science 101 in that it provided an introduction to the growing and innovative field dedicated to understanding the multifaceted workings of the mind.
Prompted by the “intensely positive” feedback that he received from OLLI students, Tebbitt would go on to teach for OLLI—not for a stipend—but as a volunteer.
For the Love of Teaching
The reception for Tebbitt’s first course was so positive, he immediately set to work on a subsequent course proposal, knowing that his time and talents would be volunteered.
“I really enjoy teaching, and nontraditional students are among my favorite demographic to work with. The questions and discussions with so much collective personal and professional experience in the room are amazing. Many of the [OLLI] learners hold advanced degrees in adjacent fields and areas of expertise, and so their contributions are really enlightening and fun. I wanted to have those kinds of experiences again.”
Tebbitt admits that when he first applied to be an OLLI Scholar, he wasn’t sure what the expectations of the learners would be. “Every educational community is different and can have different norms,” he says.
To his delight, Tebbitt found dedicated learners who were abuzz with interest, and vociferous in their questions and objections. (“Philosophers like me look forward to objections.”)
“Many of the learners avidly took notes, looked for clarifications and explanations, and wanted to know which books they could read to look further into the topics I presented. This was fantastic, and it creates such a wonderful learning environment and experience. It truly is a warm community of lifelong learners. And I am now one of the crew!”
Behavioral Observations and Choices
“As a nontraditional grad student, Brian's eclectic style is driven by an entertaining mix of enthusiasm for his research, combined with uniquely wide-ranging life experiences,” says OLLI member Tom Naps, a professor emeritus of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.
A fitting assessment, given Tebbitt’s interdisciplinary interests and chosen field. When asked what he most wants to impart to his students he shares, “My main concern is to provide my students with a strong conceptual basis in any topic(s) we cover … A narrow focus, when introducing beginners to a topic or field, may produce an interesting conversation, but it actually isn’t much of an introduction at all …
"Cognitive science is a very broad field with lots of intersections among its growing core of disciplines, and my aim in [my first OLLI] course was to provide a set of conceptual tools and topical familiarity with charisma and intrigue such that further learning was not only possible, but probable. I make this my aim in every course that I design and present.”
Tebbitt is currently teaching his fourth OLLI course, this time tackling an introduction to the work of Friedrich Nietzsche, an often misunderstood modern-day philosopher. Tebbitt is also a full-time adjunct instructor in the two-year Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.
Armed with a well-earned PhD and significant teaching experience, his hopes for the future include: securing a permanent full-time college teaching position, publishing at least one book (with promises for a contract for second), being further recognized in his field, and volunteering for OLLI.
“Truly, I hope that I can continue to participate in this learning community and that I will still be able to provide fresh and interesting content.”
You’ll find no skepticism here.
Would you or someone you know like to join the nearly 300 U of M graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who have participated in the OLLI Scholars program? Learn more about the application process and deadlines by visiting OLLI’s Intergenerational and Intercultural Programs webpage.
You can support UMN graduate students and post-doctoral researchers through the OLLI Scholars Program Fund.
Anastasia Faunce is a writer and content strategist with the College of Continuing and Professional Studies, covering the College’s personal enrichment, pre-college, ESL, and long term care programs, as well as its engagement efforts. The former director of several CCAPS programs, she worked as the director of public relations for the Minneapolis College of Art and Design prior to joining the University. Connect with her via LinkedIn.
