Diotima: Do you have any advice for philosophy students looking to go to graduate school?
Dr. Sartorio: I’d say that, if you’re considering becoming an academic, first of all make sure that you fully understand what’s involved before starting graduate school, so that you have realistic expectations. The competition for academic jobs is fierce, and there is no question that a lot of luck (good and bad) is involved, depending on many factors that are completely out of anybody's control. So you should be prepared to do something else if it doesn’t work out, or if you land a job that you’re not ultimately happy with. If you think grad school in philosophy is the right kind of choice for you, look for strong programs that match your interests, and talk to the current students at different programs to find out about what it's like to be a student there (current students know most about things that are really important about a program, such as the climate and the availability of faculty, and that can change a lot over time).
Diotima: What’s something that you do not enjoy about philosophy?
Dr. Sartorio: I guess sometimes people get too “feisty" when they discuss philosophy, and there are still the arrogant types and all that. But, overall, I’d say, things are getting a lot better in that respect, and there are a bunch of smart and cool people who push for a productive atmosphere of discussion at talks, conferences, and seminars, which makes it very rewarding.
Volume VII (2024) 54
Made with FlippingBook Annual report maker