LISTEN. Let's introduce ourselves, Spring '23 CoPhilosophers (see the William James quote above, for an explanation of that sobriquet).
- Who are you?
- Why are you here?
- What does "philosophy" mean to you?
- Do you have a favorite philosopher?
- What else would you care to share?
I'll start (remember to include your section # - 6, 7, or 10)...
*Who are you? - James P. Oliver, jpo... a 20+ year faculty member at MTSU, a lifelong learner, a seeker of wisdom, a husband and dad and dog-person (my dad was a veterinarian), baseball fan (grew up near St.Louis), Mizzou and Vandy alum...
ReplyDelete*Why are you here? - Came to Tennessee for grad school, married a Tennessean, got hired by MTSU to teach courses on atheism, bioethics, democracy, environmental ethics, evolution, experience, happiness, ... and in the larger sense, I'm here because my parents met and married and decided not to be anti-natalists...
*What does "philosophy" mean to you? - The never-ending love of (and search for) wisdom; and "an unusually stubborn attempt to think clearly..." (Wm James)
*Do you have a favorite philosopher? - William James, John Dewey, Bertrand Russell, John Stuart Mill, Hannah Arendt, ...
*What else would you care to share? - I think Charles Darwin's idea of evolution by natural selection is probably the best idea anyone ever had, right up there with Kurt Vonnegut's idea that the only and ultimate rule of life is to be kind.
I think some of the best philosophy is achieved by writers of fiction (Richard Ford and Richard Powers are my favorite living novelists)...
I'm an epicurean and a peripatetic. (I'll give extra credit, on the first day of class, to the first student who says what that means philosophically.)
I think too many of our contemporaries are un-philosophical, they do not value clarity of thought, learning, wisdom, facts, reality, truth...
I look forward to meeting and co-philosophizing with you all! If you do the reading, come to class, listen respectfully, and speak occasionally and pertinently, we'll have a great semester.
Who are you? - Nicholas Schionning, 19 y.o. student, fan of videogames, model kits, and other little collectable things.
ReplyDeleteWhy are you here? - Moved to TN when I was three, picked this school because it was close to home, picked this class because I thought it might be interesting.
What does "philosophy" mean to you? - Asking a bunch of hypothetical questions that may or may not matter, honestly.
Do you have a favorite philosopher? - Diogenes for refusing to take anyone's shit.
What else would you care to share? - I am going to try my best, but I am not the best at properly articulating my thoughts sometimes.
My name is Grant Rae, I am a senior at MTSU. I am here because I want to be a pilot and part of that path is taking this class. I have always thought that philosophy was the study of how we think and act. I have little to no experience with philosophy or things of that sorts unless religion is considered philosophy.
ReplyDelete1. Tanner Morgan (Teezy)
ReplyDelete2. For School
3. The ideas that explain the nonphysical workings of the universe.
4. Seth Rogen.
5. www.teezyco.com
My name is Lindsay. I'm an accounting major and sophomore at MTSU and I am here because I want to learn about the profession I want to take on in a larger, more inviting environment than the past school I went to. I went to a local private college in Lebanon, Tennessee before I moved here and began renting an apartment with two of my friends. I think of philosophy as the analysis of humans and their actions and morals. I do not have a favorite philosopher.
ReplyDeleteSection 7
DeleteMy name is Mikell Larkin. Mikell is pronounced Michael (being the feminized version of my father's name). Currently I am a transfer Sophmore. My major is nursing, but I enjoy many different subjects than just those of medical application. I believe that psychology, sociology, communications in public speaking, and philosphy is just as vital as understanding the intricacies of anatomy and physiology. The mind is a beautiful thing and diverse. My reason for taking this class is to expand my understanding further than the sociology, and psychology that I have already taken. My favorite writer and more of a philosophical entertainer than anything is Alan Watts. Other than his works, I have not been exposed to philosophy in any depth. I am excited to read the reccomended texts, and expand my understanding of thought.
ReplyDelete1. Elijah Reasoner (section 7)
ReplyDelete2. To peruse music for a cleat state of choice.
3. It helps me see points of view. certain views I never heard, or considered. I would like to better understand a semantic world.
4. Simone vey, Diogenes, Jose Ortega, Apostle Paul.
5. I have been raised Christian and didn't understand why I followed a relationship with it. And until recently. I finally realized the value of following a code, which I agreed with and found more sustainability.
Section 7 - Angeline Siefring
ReplyDelete*Who are you? - I am Angeline Siefring, 18 years old, Pro Pilot major, from Collierville (just outside of Memphis TN)
*Why are you here? - I’m at MTSU to get my Pilot ratings and eventually get my restricted ATP. I am in this Philosophy class because I need humanities credits for graduation. However, I am genuinely interested in Philosophy and am also taking The Experience of Literature course here at MTSU (heavily philosophical class). I think I am on this planet/in this consciousness for the purpose of experiencing life and emotions - the bad, the good, and everything in between. Also my parents are not anti-natalists.
*What does "philosophy" mean to you? - To me, “philosophy” predominantly means deep thinking. My mind connects “philosopher” with someone who thinks about who we are and why we are here on an existential level.
*Do you have a favorite philosopher? - Phil P. Oliver.
*What else would you care to share? - Here are two quotes that heavily pertain to me personally. “True hell arrives at the end of your life when you meet the person you could have been.” “Success isn’t final. Failure isn’t fatal.” The two quotes are linked to my existential thoughts. I’m a perfectionist and want to be my best self, but I also want to remember that being at peace is a part of that best self.
1. My name is Phinehas Rollman (section 7)
ReplyDelete2. I'm here majoring in journalism, but do enjoy philosophy and am excited for the course
3. When I think of philosophy, I think of the study of ideas, and the search for wisdom on how to live.
4. Soren Kierkegaard, other great thinkers but not philosophers like R.C. Sproul and Tim Keller.
5. I am a christian, and I hope that this semester that I'm challenged in my beliefs by people way smarter then me, in order to expand my knowledge and learn more about different people with different beliefs
I am Taryn Price, a music business major. I am here at MTSU because I would like to further my education and expand my mind capacity. I am also here because I have already spent too much time and money here. I honestly have no idea what philosophy means to me for the simple fact that I never thought I'd take a course as such. But since I'm being asked, I'll say it's a matter of truth and "nonfiction" ideas or something as such. I have no favorite philosopher yet.
ReplyDeleteSection 6
ReplyDeleteMy name is Chandradat Ramkissoon, I am in this class because I have always thought philosophy was interesting. This interest stemmed from my love of the humanities class that I took in freshman year. To me, philosophy is the never ending search for wisdom and truths. My favorite philosopher is Diogenes and I am very excited to learn about new philosophers to see if I can connect with their ideals more. I am excited to learn about philosophy and maybe even change the way I think about things.
Section 007
ReplyDeleteWho are you? I am Charlcie Shelton.
Why am I here? Because I would rather take this than art appreciation.
What does philosophy mean to me? Philosophy is asking questions which the answers to are not obvious and require complex thought and different opinions.
Do you have a favorite philosopher? No.
My name is Isabelle Kassing. Now from a philosophical perspective of ‘who am I?’ I can’t answer that fully. I am 20, my perspective has changed lot in the last few years and is still changing. I can tell you who I am at this moment but I could be a totally different me tomorrow. I am taking this class because I’ve always been interested in why people do/ think/behave the way they do. I’ve taken psychology classes and sociology classes so when I saw this class I thought it would be interesting to look at it from a philosophical perspective. Philosophy to me is just a way of how someone things and/ or views the world. I don’t particularly have a favorite philosopher at this moment.
ReplyDeleteHey there, my name is Andrew Lacy! (though I usually just go by Drew). I'm an animation major minoring in art with a passion for animation, visual arts, and voice acting!
ReplyDeleteAs for why I'm here, in the more literal sense, I'm at MTSU because I went to governor school here during my junior year of high school, and in addition to liking the campus, I was really interested by the animation program and resources offered here. In the more metaphorical sense though, the reason I feel like the reason I'm here, in this class, this school, and this point in life, is because I want more than ever to learn more about myself and my passions, so I can hopefully lead a life that's fulfilling and happy (and this class sounded like a great way to learn more about myself!)
I wouldn't say that I have a favorite philosopher at the moment (mainly because while I know the big names, I'm not very familiar with their ideas), so hopefully over the course of this class I can find someone who I really resonate with!
(Also I’m in Section #6)
DeleteI am Maia Costello. I am here to get my degree in Early Childhood Education. I moved here 6 years ago, because my dad retired from the military and my family decided to move here! Philosophy to me, means the study of wisdom, and self growth. I do not have a favorite philosopher, I'm not too familiar with philosophy, but I'm excited to learn!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Kevin Rodriguez section 7. I’m a junior computer science major and a navy vet.. originally from San Diego I moved on a whim to come to Tennessee after separating from the military because a lifelong friend moved out here and offered me a room. So I’m here just because. In this class specifically because it’s a GE but also because an upper level CS course I need to take is another PHIL class so this course will get me on the right mind set. I can’t say I have a favorite philosopher because I can’t remember who said what. And if anybody is a PlayStation gamer hit me up let’s play some games!
ReplyDeleteWho am I? - My name is Luke Jeansonne (section 10)
ReplyDeleteWhy am I here? - Im at MTSU for a music business major and this is one of the courses I need to take in order to continue that path
What does philosophy mean to me? - Philosophy to me means understanding certain things from a different perspective, outside of an ordinary POV
Do I have a favorite philosopher? - I do not.
My name is Kaylie Stremler (Section 7) and I dont really know why im here. To me, Philosophy is a fair mixture of both reason and art. I dont have a favorite philosopher yet but im keen to the roman-era potiticians which is pretty close to philosophy at the time (Cicero and Catullus). I sell oil paintings and have 3 cats and 1 dog.
ReplyDeleteWho am I? My name is Hayden Dalton 20 years of age (section 7)
ReplyDeleteWhy am I here? Parents had a good time and now i'm here.
What does Philosophy mean to me? Understanding human behavior without studying their genetic code.
Do i have a favorite philosopher- Father of Stoicism, Zeno of Citium.
Else to share- Open book, just too many pages to read.
Raymond D Curry, Section 6
ReplyDeleteI am 63 years old and retired. I have always been interested in history and have read quite a bit of it but philosophy has always intimidated me. I decided I needed to know more about philosophy and watched quite a few You Tube videos about it. Philosophy means to me a way of understanding our world and our place in it. From my limited knowledge, my favorite philosopher would be John Locke for A Letter Concerning Toleration and Two Treatise on Government.
Hello, my name is Emma Essary, and I am an Art major with a minor in Psychology studying to become an art therapist. On the surface, I am here to pass my classes and hopefully make a few friends along the way. In the grand scheme of things, helping people cope with their trauma and find meaning and understanding in other peoples lives is my main passion. I love learning about the mind, creating art, and discovering the deeper meanings behind everyday experiences. Although I am not well versed, Philosophy to me essentially represents our reality or existence and how the conscious mind comprehends it. My favorite philosopher has to be A.A. Milne, or the writer of Whinnie the Pooh. However, my personal philosophy has to be "This too shall pass."
ReplyDeleteSection #6
ReplyDelete1. My legal name is Derek Clayton, but I usually go by Ash.
2. I am here because I choose to take philosophy. It seemed like fun. In a broader sense, I went to MTSU cause it was my cheapest option. Going even farther then that, a massive series of events, some caused by me others out of my control, brought me here.
3. Philosophy means to think. To study philosophy or be a philosopher means to think about thinking.
4. I don't have a favorite philosopher yet. I mostly have picked pieces from a lot. For example, human connections are the most valuable thing you can have. I try to avoid boring things, such as a boring job, class, etc.
5. I like to eat.
7-- My name is Jordan Martin, and I am a Business Administration major. I’m in this class because it is one of my general education requirements, but as to why I am here in existence...I’m still trying to figure the answer to that question out myself.
ReplyDeletePhilosophy to me now would be your basic Merriam-textbook definition, so the study of knowledge and existence. I currently don’t have a favorite philosopher, but I am hoping that changes by the end of the semester.
I love to travel, and I believe learning is done best when you are immersed in an experience. During covid, my perspective changed a lot about the world and my place in it. Once the pandemic subsided a bit, I travelled and took trips. Although I don’t have answers to everything, I know the entirety of the past hectic 3 years was meant to happen. They taught me some of the biggest lessons I have learned up until now and brought me to some of the best people I have ever met.
My name is Kane Johnson and I am a Freshman at MTSU.
ReplyDeleteI am here in this class for the credit, but also do think this class could help me learn different perspectives and other ways to think.
To me philosophy is how others can have different takes and ways of thinking.
I currently do not have a favorite philosopher, but I'm excited for that to change as we progress through the semester.
My name is Kailei Davis and I am a freshman here at MTSU. I am a nursing major who loves to bake, especially chocolate chip cookies. I am at MTSU because out of the schools I had gotten into, MTSU offered me the most in scholarships plus my older brother goes here so he helps me around campus. I am in the philosophy class because it was a needed credit and seemed like a new experience! Philosophy to me means to have the mentality of a toddler and question everything, even when there is nothing left to deeper question. My favorite philosopher is Francis Bacon because his name is funny and cracks me up. I originally was born in Indiana but I travel back and forth between Tennessee and Indiana. I love dogs and so that is always a good conversation starter for me. One thing unique about me is that I am left handed.
ReplyDeleteSection #6
#7
ReplyDeleteWho are you?
I am Felopater.
Why are you here?
Because I like philosophy.
What does "philosophy" mean to you?
Thinking deeply about certain things and analyzing things carefully and questioning why it is the way it is.
Do you have a favorite philosopher?
Marcus Aurelius.
What else would you care to share?
Nothing.
My name is Steven Rocco and I'm a junior at MTSU. The reason why I'm here is because I'm an animation major and this seemed like a good school for that. I'm in this class because I think philosophy is a interesting subject to learn about. What philosophy means to me is that philosophy is a set of loose guidelines for how someone could see and interpret the world in their own way. My favorite philosopher is probably Pythagoras or Diogenes. I like Pythagoras because Neopythagorism for some reason, is really interesting to me at 3:00 AM. And I like Diogenes for the fact that he lived in a barrel. I enjoy learning about antiquity and one of my favorite movies is No Country for Old Men. Also the book is pretty good as well.
ReplyDelete#10
ReplyDeleteI am Hannah
I am here because I woke up this morning and want to learn
I think of philosophy as a set of values an individual or group follows
I think Diogenes was... interesting
I have nothing else to share
I am Garrett Alden (Transfer Junior) from Hawaii
ReplyDeleteI am here because I have always had an interest in philosophy but have never taken the time to understand and dive in
I dont have one yet
I dont have anything to share
(Section 6)
ReplyDeleteMy name is Enrique Martinez.
I am here because I need it for my degree, and I would like to learn about Greek Philosophy.
Philosophy, to me, is a belief beyond the scope of science, and into the behavior of people/universe.
I do not have a favorite philosopher yet, but I hope to obtain one sometime during this course.
I have nothing to share.
(Sec. 7) Hi I'm Luka Howard I'm a sophomore studying Computer Science. I'm here because MTSU was the cheapest and closest school to me. Philosophy to me is want to understand the world in the most basic sense. My favorite philosophers are Diogenes of Sinope and Marcus Aurelius.
ReplyDelete#10
ReplyDeleteHi! My name is Zainab Alrahmany and my major is Data Science. I am here because I have wanted to take a philosophy course since high school. Philosophy to me means connecting the dots of real life using wisdom. I would say my favorite philosopher is my mother, she always knows what to say.
I am Daelin Franks. I'm here because I signed up for the course but also because I'm genuinely interested in getting a wider understanding of philosophy. Philosophy, to me, is the mindset used to understand and to interact with the world around us. It is the sense through which I interpret my existence. I'm not well enough versed in different philosophers to really have a favorite, but I've read some Marcus Aurelius and some of the Buddha. I don't know that there is anything else
ReplyDeletealso section #6
DeleteHi my name is Karsyn Jacques. I am a psychology major. I am here because i believe philosophy will help me in my career. Philosophy means to me that there is a want to better understand what's going on in the world. No I do not have a favorite philosopher but I hope to have one by the end of this course possibly.
ReplyDeletesection #7
Sorry, section #6
DeleteMy name is Steven Rocco and I'm a junior at MTSU. The reason why I'm here is because I'm an animation major and this seemed like a good school for that. I'm in this class because I think philosophy is a interesting subject to learn about. What philosophy means to me is that philosophy is a set of loose guidelines for how someone could see and interpret the world in their own way. My favorite philosopher is probably Pythagoras or Diogenes. I like Pythagoras because Neopythagorism for some reason, is really interesting to me at 3:00 AM. And I like Diogenes for the fact that he lived in a barrel. I enjoy learning about antiquity and one of my favorite movies is No Country for Old Men. Also the book is pretty good as well.
ReplyDeletesection #6
section 6
ReplyDeleteI'm Eva, I am here because It is required for my major. Philosophy to me means the way each person thinks and their morals through life. I don't have a favorite philosopher, the only one I know is Socrates but I hope to find one this semester.
Section #6
ReplyDeleteWho are you? My name is Dinah Anderson. Im a freshmen, psych major and I'm from Memphis TN.
Why are you here? I am here to learn more about how people interact with each-other and the world.
What does "philosophy" mean to you? I am not really sure, which is part of why I wanted to take this class. I wanted to learn what philosophy is and then what it means to me.
Do you have a favorite philosopher? I don't yet but I am hoping to learn more and have one.
What else would you care to share? I am excited to learn in this class!
Section 6
ReplyDeleteHi, I'm Joey Harrell a freshman here at MTSU. I'm in this class because philosophy is a class required for my major and something that always intrigued me. Philosophy to me is the core principles on how our world was made to where we're at right now. My favorite philosopher is Socrates and how he transformed the art of Philosophy which he passed down to Plato and Aristotle.
My name is Cole Prestwood. I am a junior. Philosophy to me means how you observe, acknowledge, and interact within the world around you. My favorite philosopher is Marvin Heemeyer. I’m excited to learn how the greater minds of history thought and how I can apply that to my life.
ReplyDeleteSection 7
ReplyDeleteHello! I'm Giovanni Del Valle.
I'm here in school to further my skills and grow.
Philosophy to me means to search for and interpret the meaning of life, the way we live, and the actions we perform.
My favorite philosopher is Neil Degrasse Tyson
I am a computer science major and enjoy programming in my free time!
(Section 10)
Delete1. I am Connor.
2. I think there are several reasons why I'm here as opposed to just one. I'm here physically in this world because my mom didn't see all the red flags in my dad but then I'm here because I need the credit to graduate, but also because of free will and all that stuff.
3. To me, philosphy means the thinking and conception of different ideas. I feel like many people think of the ancient greek times and think of some old guys sitting around Athens with that pondering expression they have on their statues. But in this information age everybody has many ideas to contribute and ponder on.
4. I'm not really sure if I have a favorite philosopher. I have always liked the ancient Chinese proverbs that often have no author associated with them.
5. I might share other things later on.
Section 7
ReplyDeleteI am here to pursue an education so that I can gain a sense of stability and a new appreciation for the nuances of the human experience. Philosophy, to me, is the culmination of humanity's perpetual curiosity. We, as humans, are constantly looking for some reason for our existence and I think that the overarching concept of philosophy is a great way to categorize the existential theories that have been developed through human history. I appreciate some of Kafka's views on existentialism, even if sometimes they are a bit too defeatist for my liking.
Section 7
ReplyDeleteI am Emerson. I am here to further my education and to gain the tools to move into a career of my choice. Philosophy to me is thinking deeper into the world around us.
(Section 10) I am also reposting this because I think I accidentally replied to a post intstead of publishing this
ReplyDelete1. I am Connor
2. I think there are several reasons why I'm here as opposed to just one. I'm here physically in this world because my mom didn't see all the red flags in my dad but then I'm here because I need the credit to graduate, but also because of free will and all that stuff.
3. To me, philosphy means the thinking and conception of different ideas. I feel like many people think of the ancient greek times and think of some old guys sitting around Athens with that pondering expression they have on their statues. But in this information age everybody has many ideas to contribute and ponder on.
4. I'm not really sure if I have a favorite philosopher. I have always liked the ancient Chinese proverbs that often have no author associated with them.
5. I might share other things later on.
My name is Lochlann. I am here because I need credits and philosophy is something I am interested in and think I will succeed in. Philosophy to me is expressing deep ideas and observations to help through life and to pursue truth and meaning. My favorite philosopher is Alan Watts. Section 6
ReplyDeleteMy name is Darren Burnside and I’m a commercial songwriting major. I’m here because I need the credit to graduate and I find philosophy interesting. Philosophy means to me asking questions to find a meaning for things that might question us.
ReplyDeletesection 7* for my comment above
ReplyDeleteSection 7,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Carter Marbry and I am a forensics major. I’m here since I needed the credit so I can be able to graduate. The class also does interest me. To me philosophy is the study of why we are here on earth and the wider cosmos. I do not have a favorite philosopher. I will probably share more in the future
Other than my name above, I am what you make of me.
ReplyDeleteI am here because I believe philosophy will help me be more charismatic in public discourse, and in discourse in general.
I believe philosophy is searching for an answer. For example, some people's answer to life is stoicism, and other people’s answer is nihilism. In government philosophy some believe in anarchy, an autocracy, or communism. Everyone is looking for answers to something; whether or not that answer is correct is usually up to history and analytical data to decide in modern times.
I’d say Solomon is my favorite philosopher. When you put his sayings to practice it has a tendency to bear positive results. Sun Tzu is one of my more favorable philosophers in how he was able to revolutionize the concept of war. Inspire figures to succeed in war such as Napoleon, Douglas MacArthur, and Niccolo Machiavelli.
Finally, I know you admire Socrates; I am going to pull a sly one and ask what would you like me to share other than the question already posed to me?
Whatever you like, Isaac. Just want you all to feel seen and heard and at home in our course.
DeleteSolomon, huh? Which of his sayings have worked for you?
Who are you? Daniel Nuthalapaty
ReplyDeleteWhy are you here? To learn and how to learn
What does "philosophy" mean to you? An approach to life and to always learn and understand more
Do you have a favorite philosopher? Aristotle
What else would you care to share? I have read a couple of Socratic dialogues and in which they always leave me with more questions that answers but also with a new found understanding.
Posted for Ellaleigh Hall
ReplyDeleteWho are you? Hello my name is Ellaleigh Hall, I am a pre med nursing student. I am dual enrollment here at MTSU so I am technically a senior in high school. I hope to work as a nurse for a couple years and then continue my career in medicine by attending medical school.
Why are you here? I am here because this seemed like the most interesting Gen ed credit but I am also exited about what this class has to offer.
What does "philosophy" mean to you? Looking at the world inn a thoughtful way rather then passive.
Do you have a favorite philosopher? I do not yet know.
What else would you care to share? I am looking forward to thinking and leaning more.
Some questions specifically inspired by our course:
What does "experience" mean to you? Things that we have an gone through as unique individuals.
What experience(s) has/have been particularly meaningful to you? My education and my health.
What is your general attitude towards religion, and towards science? Is there a conflict? I hope they can go hand in hand but I will look more into it.
Posted for Mackenzie Sells #6
ReplyDeleteHello, my name is Mackenzie Sells, and I am an Org Comm major with a minor in marketing. I am here because I needed one more elective before I graduate, and I thought Philosophy would be the most interesting as I have never taken a course like this before. Philosophy, to me, is the study of personal knowledges or experiences. I currently do not have a favorite philosopher. I am looking forward to having found one by the end of this course, though. I define experience as personal memories and life journeys. I would say my educational journey has been my most meaningful experience in my life so far, as it is for many.
Posted for Natalie Padron
ReplyDeleteWho are you? My name is Natalie Padron and I am a student
Why are you here? I am here to learn and fulfill my degree requirements and because the human mind and consciousness interests me as well as what others make of it
What does "philosophy" mean to you? Philosophy to me is trying to understand the universal objective of existence
Do you have a favorite philosopher? I am more familiar with philosophical theories than any particular philosopher
What does "experience" mean to you? Experience to me is when a person has undergone something in life and learned from it
What experience(s) has/have been particularly meaningful to you? Experiences of loss have been most meaningful to me because they have made me consider what I'll always have with me
What is your general attitude towards religion, and towards science? Is there a conflict? At points the ideas between the two do not align well but mostly I think the topic is needlessly divisive
For some unknown reason those last three intros posted over on my other blogsite. I've transplanted them.
Delete