Very good class. Readings are hard, but he explains them very well. Class discussion feel relaxed and you hear a lot of viewpoints.

Overall, Professor O'Brien is a kind & knowledgeable. However, I felt like the class skipped a lot of fundamental basics of philosophy and education that would've been useful. There are few activities & projects it's nearly all lecture and papers. There could have been more teacher to class engagement, there was no sense of community building.

This guy is the best, I loved him. He lowkey cold calls, but makes it seem not stressful, and will take what you said and make it seem super smart. He is super friendly and helpful with the papers if you go to office hours. Just the nicest guy ever, and a great intro to philosophy/ed course.

Amazing professor who genuinely cares about his students! His lectures are very interactive and discussion-based, so you will be expected to participate; however, he is fantastic at facilitating and makes even the dumbest responses or questions sound brilliant!

Hands down my favorite professor in my 3.5 years so far. His lectures are engaging and he explains concepts very well. Participation is expected/hoped for in his lectures, but he respects every student's opinion and actually makes you feel pretty brilliant when you speak up. A decent amount of homework/work, but totally worth it.

One of the best professors I've had at UW Madison. Not an easy A class but if you think you'd be interested in philosophy and want a good idea of what it looks like to be a good moral citizen I'd definitely take his class.

As a science/math mind I do not often enjoy the humanities, but I loved this class so much! David is a brilliant lecturer, really listens to students and cares about us. I recomennded to my friends they take this class since I found it so interesting.

I was disgruntled when I was told that I needed to take another pre-req class. But I truly believe everything happens for a reason and taking this class changed what I want my future to hold. Now I plan to double major in philosophy and legal studies. This was the first college course I found practical, and I like the overall logic behind it.

I was nervous at first because I had never taken philosophy lectures before. However, David truly surpassed any expectations I had for the course. He did a remarkable job in engaging the class in the material giving us actionable insights that could be applied elsewhere. He really went above and beyond and it definitely showed.

By far one of the most engaging lecturers at UW. Strikes a great balance of letting people participate in the discussion while also leading the lecture in a way that makes sure everyone leaves the room with a clear concrete understanding.

Attempts to run open discussions, but he always needs to have the last word, and would not call on you again so you can rebut him.

Funny and entertaining, makes class interesting. It's not hard to get an A as long as you do the weekly discussion posts, go to class and discussion, and put some effort into the papers. Two exams, which are pretty easy if you pay attention in class.

Sharp. Funny. Brilliant.

Funny guy. Tries to make the class more interesting by treating the lecture as an open discussion. Attendance is taken to use incase you want to be bumped up half a grade later on. The readings are due each class but you don't have to do them if you pay attention in lecture instead. 3 papers, 2 tests. Along with "weekly" short responses online.

He is great and nice.

David was one of the most sincere teachers I've had at this university! This class definitely requires some work, but nothing insane. David is there to help you through it and really wants you to get an A! The goal of this class is to show that you get the material and put in your best effort, and I highly recommend this class!

David is a great professor who is clearly passionate about philosophy and his students. He cares more about learning than the actual grades which is very beneficial for everyone involved. Definitely would recommend.

David has a dark sense of humor that makes his lectures entertaining. Encourages participation and seems to enjoy teaching. Adorkable.

Great instructor for making philosophy actually matter. Explains concepts, applies them and encourages discussion, but does not mandate it like some teachers.