Kenneth Morales (current student, English)
The Philosophy Alumni Panel at CCNY on December 3rd not only offered a fascinating discussion on the transformational potential of philosophy, but it also clarified the essential role that philosophical thinking plays in influencing careers, individual lives, and society. The panelists, Brandi Alduk, Steven Hernandez, Simon Michelini, and Professor Pat Hope, demonstrate the profound impact of philosophical inquiry on activism, education, and personal growth. These alums discussed the role of philosophy in addressing social equality, neurodiversity ethics, and workplace disputes. Topics covered included Professor Hope's proposal for a new critical thinking theory and Hernandez's work on social equality for autism.
Vice President of the Philosophy Club, student Mark Paghubasan, kicked off the event by asking the alumni how they envision applying philosophy in their future endeavors. Each response highlighted the discipline's relevance to both personal and societal growth.
Alduk, who switched from engineering to philosophy at CCNY, now leads the bargaining team for Starbucks workers and uses philosophy to guide her communication and care for her union. Professor Hope, who teaches courses on critical race theory, feminist philosophy, and structural injustice at CCNY, shared how their philosophical studies and personal experiences as a transgender, disabled individual informed their teaching and research on body and gender ideologies. Hernandez, once a self-described presumptuous high schooler, credited philosophy for humbling him. He now dedicates his research to understanding neurotypical and autistic cognitive communication styles, aiming to promote social equality for individuals with autism. Lastly, Michelini reflected on how philosophy saved him from academic struggles by providing him with purpose and a deeper understanding of human relationships. Today, Michelini focuses on how philosophy can reform lives and address how society views philosophical work.
During the Q&A, students posed insightful questions. In response to a question about the importance of graduate school, Alduk emphasized the appeal of educational settings for intellectual growth and development and Michelini connected graduate school to broader societal issues. He highlighted his plan to use graduate studies as a platform to reshape philosophy into a more specialized and impactful discipline. Hernandez expressed a strong desire for his research to promote understanding and equality, and to drive social change. “I want to see a social impact from a framework that tests the social equality of neurotypical versus autistic people,” he explained. Professor Hope shared their aspiration to develop a new national critical thinking theory: “While no single idea might change the world, realistically, my work could change one aspect of life, which could have a domino effect.”
The alums highlighted the significance of fellowship programs in fostering intellectual and professional growth. These initiatives provide funding, networking, and mentorship opportunities for researchers and activists, enabling them to apply their conceptual understandings. Humanities & Arts students can find more at the CCNY Fellowships Program webpage.
This Philosophy Club event served as an inspiring reminder of philosophy's transformative potential and encouraged students to explore its practical and intellectual applications. Students interested in engaging further are invited to join the Philosophy Club during its weekly pizza forums. Find out more here!