APP’s Readers Talk Back! 1

Why Anonymous? Why “Against”? APP Editors’ note: M is a 30-something woman philosopher who is currently teaching in a non-TT position at a public university somewhere in Europe. M: Is this you? I find it a bit strange to talk to someone who apparently prefers to communicate as … anonymous. I hadn’t been aware of … [continue reading]

What is It All About? Some Reflections on Applying to Graduate School in Philosophy from Outside the USA.

APP Editors’ Note: L_E is a 20-something philosophy PhD student at a public university somewhere in the Southern Hemisphere. This post is mainly about my experience as a non-traditional student applying to graduate school in philosophy in the USA, from outside the US. Before I proceed, a few words regarding my background might be helpful. … [continue reading]

Can Real Philosophers Survive Outside Professional Philosophy? (With Follow-Up Discussion by L_E and Z)

By real philosophy, we mean synoptic, systematic, rational reflection on the individual and collective human condition, and on the natural world in which human and other conscious animals live, move, and have their being. Real philosophy fully includes the knowledge yielded by the natural and formal sciences; but, as we see it, real philosophy also … [continue reading]

Why Does Conscience Make Cowards of Us All? The Tenure-&-Promotion System as an Extremely Effective Device for Thought-Control. (With Follow-Up Discussion by L_E and Z)

Thus conscience does make cowards of us all, And thus the native hue of resolution Is sicklied o’er with the pale cast of thought, And enterprises of great pitch and moment With this regard their currents turn awry, And lose the name of action. Hamlet, act III, scene 1 I. THE ESSAY Why are contemporary … [continue reading]