That philosophy guides the Ethics Department Chair, Sr. Joseph Murphy, for his first-time tenth grade students. Sr. Murphy explains that, “they [students] think of opinions somehow like it’s property that they ‘own it’ somehow, but they really don’t own it fully until they can argue for it. Knowledge in a certain sense is a process, and you have to arrive at a conclusion through a process.”
Over this past Summer 2021, Ethics Department Chair Sr. Joe Murphy contributed a chapter within the anthology Intentional Disruption: Expanding Access to Philosophy (2021) published by Vernon Press. The anthology edited by Stephen Miller outlines how educators in philosophy have implemented the discipline at the pre-college level.
Students are always “in process” in class, formulating their ideas, at times, only in Spanish. Joe Murphy’s chapter “Once a Philosopher-In-Hiding: Teaching Philosophy in Spanish in the USA” details his journey from being the language department chair to trailblazing the now expansive ethics department curricula. He is one of few educators to integrate second language education with philosophical inquiry emphasizing that, “language is a way that we identify ourselves. When we talk and when we use language, it’s one of the ways that we make sense of the world.”
Philosophical education in high schools is often attributed as “critical thinking”. Sr. Murphy argues that what precedes the idea of “critical thinking” is first philosophical inquiry. He has seen what it provides in little moments: parents amazed with how their children have learned to discuss hard questions over the dinner table. Sr. Murphy hopes and implores other schools, administrators, and philosophers-in-hiding to take the leap. After all, they will become the philosophers and leaders of our future.
Sylvie Yao Continues Competing in Bergen County Girls Tennis Singles Tournament
Congratulations to D-E Junior Sylvie Yao ’27, who earned the third (#3) seed in the inaugural Bergen County Girls Tennis Singles Tournament! Her match against top-seeded Britney Lee of Ridgefield Park was halted last week due to lack of visibility but will resume at...
Calling All Alumni! Celebrate Reunion Weekend 2025
Reunion Weekend 2025 is almost here! This year, we’ll be honoring milestone classes with years ending in 0 or 5, but all alumni are invited to join in the celebration. Whether it’s been 5 or 50 years since you last returned to campus, we hope you’ll come back to...
The Lower School Embraces Community During Its First Assembly
The first Lower School (LS) Assembly of the year kicked off this week with a slightly different format and a theme of the month. “Each assembly is connected to a core value,” explained LS Principal Mr. Choi. “For this first assembly, we’re highlighting the value of...
Teaching, Learning, and Growing in the Garden
D-E’s Nettie Coit Teaching Garden is not only an idyllic hidden gem on campus with flowers, plants, and a chicken coop, but also an outdoor classroom used in academic lessons. For example, as part of Middle School Dean Ms. Urbanowski’s DIG (D-E In the Garden)...
The Imperatore Library Hosts Cross-Divisional, Community-Building Activities
The Imperatore Library recently hosted a pair of cross-divisional events that were enjoyable, inspiring—and more importantly a beautiful reminder of the many talents and skills of our vibrant school community. Upper School student members of MODE (Musicians of D-E)...
Swartley Art Gallery Series Presents the Work of Tyson Etienne
The first Swartley Gallery Series of the year features work of former D-E student and pro basketball player Tyson Etienne. “A Journey Seldom Seen” marks Tyson’s first solo exhibition, showcasing nine years of paintings and photography that chronicle his development as...
D-E Honors a Legendary Coach During the Schmid Pavilion Dedication
Beautiful weather was in play for the official dedication of the C. Christian Schmid Pavilion at Solomon Field on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. The guest of honor, longtime former D-E Athletic Director and Coach Chris Schmid (aka “Schmiddy”), was joined by his family and...
Opening All-School Assembly Highlights
Leggett was a field full of smiling faces this morning for D-E’s Opening All-School Assembly, which included encouraging remarks from Head of School Dr. Calleroz White, a welcome address from Student Body President Max Koppelman ’26, and student reflections from Lila...
D-E’s Ethics Bowl Team Wins Gold During International Competition
Over the summer our D-E Ethics Bowl Team, advised by Philosophy and Ethics Department Chair Mr. Joseph Murphy, made it to the TKEthics International Grand Final, held via Zoom on Aug. 29, 2025—and subsequently won the Gold Medal! According to Mr. Murphy, the process...
D-E Ethics Bowl Competes Internationally, Wins Gold
Over the summer our D-E Ethics Bowl Team, advised by Philosophy and Ethics Department Chair Mr. Joseph Murphy, made it to the TKEthics International Grand Final, held via Zoom on Aug. 29, 2025—and subsequently won the Gold Medal! According to Mr. Murphy, the process...