Lydia K. Barry

Lydia Barry, Ph.D., specializes in ancient Greek philosophy, with particular interest in Plato and the relationship between philosophy, rhetoric, and poetry. Her current research project interrogates dangers that sophistry and relativism pose to democratic institutions as manifest in Plato's dialogues. She has additional research interests in the philosophy of art and literature, and regularly teaches Women in Philosophy. She enjoys teaching across the history of philosophy and introducing students to philosophy's dialogical nature, and working with students to bring the history of philosophy to bear on today's most pressing concerns.

In addition to her research in philosophy, Dr. Barry has a keen interest in artistic expression. She has formally trained in theatre, jazz vocals, visual arts, and various forms of dance. When not in the classroom, she can often be found outside running or hiking, and sometimes biking, camping, or kayaking. She loves to spend her downtime exploring the beauty of Presque Isle and other nature areas surrounding Erie, or else catching an Erie Seawolves game at UPMC Park.

Dr. Barry lives by Sappho's words, "The most beautiful thing of all is whatever someone loves." She loves to hear about what her students are up to outside of the classroom and can easily be persuaded to come check out a theater performance or basketball game - Go Knights!