Jamal Lyksett

Jamal Lyksett teaches philosophy at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. His work focuses on contemplative philosophical traditions both East and West. Jamal’s interests are in Buddhism, Continental philosophy, ancient Western philosophy, and contemplative Christianity. Jamal’s teaching in ethics engages philosophical traditions as guides to transformative practice and involves his students in a “good life” project each semester, inviting them to develop and “try on” a set of practices. The classroom, for Jamal, has become a laboratory for spiritual engagement in philosophical traditions, allowing student and teacher to become not only exposed to but fully enriched by the practices these schools of thought offer.

Jamal’s research interests are particularly informed by Pierre Hadot’s work on philosophy and spiritual practices. He is currently looking at the spiritual and philosophical responses to human needs in a “post-Christian” world.

Jamal received his B.A., Summa Cum Laude, in Philosophy and History (2005) and M.A. in Philosophy (2007) from the University of Idaho. He returned to complete his law degree (completed 2012), and practiced law for 5 years before returning full time to philosophy in 2018. Jamal lives in Moscow, Idaho with his wife and two young children.