Adam Kear

Ph.D. Candidate

DuBois, Pennsylvania

Education

B.A. University of Pittsburgh, Classics & Philosophy, 2009

M.A. University of Dallas, Humanities, 2020

M.A. Hillsdale College, Politics, 2023

“Hillsdale's professors combine a close reading of the signs of the times with close readings of the classic works of political philosophy.”

Conference Presentations

"The Natural Theology and Civics of St. Augustine as Practiced in America." Presented at the annual meeting of the Society of Catholic Social Scientists, Steubenville, OH, October 2025.

"Strauss, Voegelin, and Modernity." Presented at the Academy of Philosophy & Letters, College Park, MD, June 2023.

"The Federalist and Toleration: Faction and Federalism in Light of Locke's Letter." Presented at the annual meeting of the Association for Core Texts and Courses, Dallas, TX, March 2023.

About

Born and raised in rural Pennsylvania, Adam entered the University of Pittsburgh as a pre-medical student and graduated with a degree in classical languages and philosophy. While teaching in Pittsburgh, he was accepted into the National Endowment for the Humanities' Dante Seminar in Siena, Italy. After travelling and studying in Italy, Adam was invited to teach at Veritas Preparatory Academy in Phoenix, Arizona where he taught the Latin language and Greek literature for nine years. He earned a master's degree from the University of Dallas in humanities, with a concentration in classical education, before coming to study in Hillsdale at the Van Andel Graduate School of Statesmanship.

Research Interests

History & Philosophy of Education

Dissertation

"The Gods and the City: Theology and Politics in the Plays of Aristophanes" (in progress)

Interviews

"Leading Figures in Education: Maria Montessori." Hillsdale College Classical Education Podcast, September 2020.

"Leading Figures in Education: Alcuin." Hillsdale College Classical Education Podcast, August 2021.

Languages

Latin

Ancient Greek

Italian

Selected Articles

"Leading Figures in Education: Maria Montessori (1870-1952)." RealClearEducation, March 12, 2021.