Contact
Email: Rocha@humnet.ucla.edu or RationalAutonomy@gmail.com
Curriculum Vitae
Education History
BA received from UCLA, Spring 1998
MA received from UCLA, Spring 2000
C.Phil received from UCLA, Fall 2005
PhD received from UCLA, Summer 2007
Dissertation
Dissertation Title: The Value of a Legislated Life
Dissertation
Committee:
Professor Barbara Herman, Co-Chair
Professor Calvin Normore, Co-Chair
Professor John Carriero
Professor Ray Rocco, Political
Science Department
In my dissertation, I argue for an understanding of
autonomy that, while applicable to a wide range of actions, raises concerns
about interference with agents’ autonomous decisions. We may equally be concerned
about whether asking for a favor that conflicts with an agent’s intended action
or whether coercing her out of her intended action can respect her autonomy. In
examining the range and limits of autonomy, my dissertation argues for a broad
view of respectful agent interaction where even coercion, contrary to the
thought that it necessarily interferes with autonomy, can be structured to
respect autonomy.
Areas of Specialization
Kant's Moral and Political Philosophy, Political Philosophy, and Philosophy of Race
Areas of Competence
Ethics, Medical Ethics
Additional Areas of Teaching Interest
Ancient
Philosophy, Medieval Philosophy, Descartes’ Meditations,
Hume’s Ethics, Rousseau’s Political Philosophy, Analytical Marxism, Philosophy
of Religion, Epistemology, Critical
Thinking, Introduction to Philosophy