Question: How was your first year at UW? What courses have you taught? Which was your favorite?
I had a great first year at UW. I taught PHIL430 (Hellenistic Philosophy), PHIL320 (Ancient Philosophy), and PHIL520 (Seminar in Ancient Philosophy). They were all fun in their own ways, but 520 was my favorite. I chose 'Women in Ancient Philosophy' as the theme for the seminar. For the first half, we focused on texts attributed to ancient women intellectuals, such as Theano and Perictione. We then looked at Plato's appeals to wise women in his dialogues: Aspasia in the Menexenus and Diotima in the Symposium. Finally, we explored what I call the 'negative' canon. We read discussions of women in Aristotle's biological works and characterizations of women in relation to norms of rationality in both Plato and Aristotle. Our discussions throughout the seminar were organized around broader conceptual questions about canon-expanding approaches to the history of philosophy, including methodological challenges (such as the historicity of ancient women intellectuals and the availability of reliable source material), as well as whether the very project of reading historical texts through an ideological lens is itself viable or worthwhile. As a treat, we had guest speakers visiting from Canada and Australia, who generously took part in our discussions. I very much enjoyed thinking through these issues with the seminar participants and hope they all did too!
Question: What sparked your interest in philosophy?
My first formal exposure to philosophy was at my high school. Growing up, my parents (like most immigrant parents) advised me to be 'practical' and pursue a career in engineering, law, or medicine, but despite their best efforts I was never really interested in math or science. I owe it all to having great teachers earlier on who opened up the possibility of seriously studying the arts in university. It was really due to their encouragement that I was able to see myself as someone who had interesting and important ideas.
As an undergraduate, I found the task of struggling through a difficult philosophical text very satisfying. I was excited by ancient philosophy for two reasons. First, the possibility of interpretation is so layered. We are reading texts that were written in a context so different from ours that the task of beginning to understand them requires us to practice the skills of being good, charitable listeners. Second, it's enormously rewarding to try and reconstruct entire systems of thought that are responding to and building on existing conversations.
Question: What courses are you planning on teaching in the future?
I am scheduled to teach PHIL335 (Plato's Republic) and PHIL430 (Hellenistic Philosophy) in Spring 2025.
PHIL335 will be a guided tour of one of Plato's richest dialogues: the Republic. The work offers a series of vivid images and arguments in metaphysics and epistemology all organized around one of the most fundamental questions we can ask ourselves: why should we be good? Along the way, we will stop to consider the striking relevance of these ancient arguments for us today. Book 2's Ring of Gyges, for example, raises questions about whether anonymity influences human behaviour. Book 7's famous Allegory of the Cave evokes concerns about the epistemic threat of AI-generated deepfake media. Plato's depiction of Socrates' method of cross-examination also prompts us to think about the role of shame in epistemic (and moral) improvement.
PHIL430 is a comprehensive survey of the often neglected Hellenistic period of post-Aristotelian ancient philosophy, covering Epicureanism, Stoicism, and Skepticism. This was a time of great intellectual flourishing in Athens. The theories of reality, knowledge, and the good life offered by these schools are well worth our attention.
Question: What research are you working on?
My main research project right now is a monograph reconstructing the Stoic account of the metaphysics of propositions. I'm also working on smaller projects in ancient philosophy of language, logic, and metaphysics.
Question: What was your favorite memory from your first year at UW? What have you enjoyed about Seattle so far?
One of my favorite memories (out of many!) from my first year at UW was graduation week at the end of the Spring quarter. I defended my PhD early on in the pandemic and didn't get a graduation ceremony, so being a part of that moment for my students felt very special. I loved walking around campus and seeing new graduates taking photos in front of Suzzallo and the Rainier Vista in their regalia. It's truly a magical time.
As for what I have enjoyed about Seattle so far... I'm originally from a suburb north of Toronto in Canada and lived in Texas while doing my graduate workâboth relatively flat places. I'm not sure I will ever get bored of the views of the Cascades from around the Pacific Northwest!
Questions by Maddie Potter Lewis.