Alexander W. Diones

Alexander Diones’s research looks to the history of political thought, with particular regard to theories of economy and emotion. He received his PhD from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Prof. Diones’s research examines theories of organizing, collective action, and social transformation. His dissertation, entitled “Habit in Modern Political Thought,” explores how political theorists have understood repetition—whether through custom, tradition, or routine labor—to be a crucial resource for political action. Although we tend to think of habit and social transformation as contrary ideas, this dissertation demonstrates that there is a minor tradition of political thinking that understands the contest over the meaning and significance of habit to be a contest over the terms of social transformation. This work surveys a set of figures who not only provide arguments for how to act morally but understand the everyday activities of habit as the central dimension of moral and political life. By examining the prehistory of what has come to be known variously as behaviorism, affect theory, Prof. Diones’s work hopes to better understand how action results in but also sometimes frustrates enduring political transformation.

Prof. Diones taches classes on modern political thought, democratic theory, and the history of emotions. While at UCLA, Prof. Diones taught extensively in both the political science department and the honors-level “cluster” program. He has also served as an assistant editor for the journal Political Theory.

For more information, please visit alexdiones.com