Philosophy Assignments

In addition to writing traditional philosophical essays, my students conduct interviews, attend concerts, perform supererogatory moral actions, analyze physical spaces, and more.

Thanks to the generosity of Phish “phans,” my students have had unusual opportunities to interview professional artists, including musicians, photographers, filmmakers, poster designers, and more.

The interviews are not unidirectional, fact-finding missions.

Rather, they are often engaging philosophical exchanges about course concepts and themes with individuals with relevant experience and/or expertise.

This art is a skill that can be learned, coached, and improved with practice.

Incorporating interview assignments into my classes provides direct opportunities for students to practice asking thoughtful, informed, and philosophical questions.