David Fott

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Professor of Political Science

Director, Great Works Academic Certificate Program

Expertise: Political philosophy, philosophical pragmatism, American political thought

Biography

David Fott has translated Cicero’s On the Republic and On the Laws in an edition that contains an introduction, extensive notes, and a unique index of key terms (Cornell University Press, 2014). He is also writing a book on Cicero’s political philosophy. He is the author of John Dewey: America’s Philosopher of Democracy (Rowman and Littlefield, 1998) and articles and book chapters on Dewey, Cicero, Machiavelli, Montesquieu, U.S. presidential power, and Jane Austen.

At UNLV he has taught a wide range of classes in political theory and American political thought, as well as introductory courses in American politics and political science.

Fott is founder and director of the Great Works Academic Certificate Program at UNLV, which provides undergraduates the opportunity to take part in a conversation with some of the best thinkers of all time.

Education

BA, Vanderbilt University
MA, Harvard University
PhD, Harvard University

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David Fott In The News

Battleground Nevada: Economic anxiety is visceral among the state’s voters

Retiree Madonna Raffini recently shopped for groceries for herself and her 96-year-old mother. “I went into Walmart, of all places, and looked at the meat — little teeny steaks. Two of them, less than a quarter-inch thick, $18.99. That’s outrageous,” said the former Wells Fargo employee. “We can’t afford to eat beef anymore, or chicken for that matter. So that’s my No. 1 beef” in the 2024 election.

What do polls, early voting data reveal about presidential race in Nevada, a key swing state?

The Olympian

Nevada — land of Las Vegas and the Hoover Dam — is one of several swing states expected to decide the outcome of the presidential election. With its six electoral votes, the Silver State could help propel Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump to victory.

Natural rights do not entitle us to injure the health of others

The Declaration of Independence does not prescribe a particular form of government for the securing of our inalienable rights, but it leaves no doubt that government is necessary. The people may be the best judge of how the mask fits, but these days, can we do without masks?

Presidential caucuses are complicated. Why do some states use them?

When the 2020 presidential nomination season kicks off in February, it won’t start with a primary — where voters go to their polling place and cast a secret ballot — but with caucuses. While the vast majority of states hold primary elections, a few use these more complicated events to show their preferences for candidates.