Stories

On Nov. 13, students, faculty, alumni, and staff participated in SCU's first celebration of World Philosophy Day. Christine Wieseler (Philosophy) was the lead organizer for this event, with substantial contributions from Erick Ramirez (Philosophy) and Jan Davis (Philosophy). Dean Daniel Press' opening remarks highlighted the value of philosophy for folks in STEM fields. Eric Yang (Philosophy) gave an engaging and timely talk entitled "Loving Wisdom in Difficult Times."

The event featured a panel of SCU alumni: Anthony Mejia ’20 (Psychology, Philosophy), Kelly Shi ’16 (Philosophy), Dorian Clay ’22 (Individual Studies, Computer Science and Engineering), Eric Johnson ’14 (Classical Studies), Shelby Jennett ’24 (Neuroscience), and Clare MacMillin ’23 (Political Science, Philosophy). They shared their educational and career-related experiences since graduation, memories of studying philosophy at SCU (including Ethics Bowl), and how philosophy plays a role in their lives today. They also gave advice to current students, such as growing comfortable with uncertainty and being open to unexpected opportunities. Multiple speakers discussed ways to engage in philosophy through the Philosophy Society, Darcy Muller ’27 (Philosophy, Psychology); the Undergraduate Writing Workshop, Erin Bradfield (Philosophy); Hackworth Grant, Johana Engstrom ’22 (Economics, Philosophy); and Cafe Socrates, Scott LaBarge (Philosophy).

Noah Kisiel ’26 (Philosophy, Political Science) gave an interesting talk called “Creativity in Virtue Acquisition and Virtue Ideation.” Next, a panel of faculty members in the Department of Philosophy, Madeline Cronin, Kimberly Dill, Lawrence Nelson, and Matthew Izor, discussed their paths into philosophy and advice for students, including the value of grappling with difficult ideas.