Hugo Toudic (pictured left) participated in the MA exchange program between GSU and Sorbonne University in Paris, France in 2018. He is now pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Chicago as part of the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Research Collaboration Program. In this interview, we talk with Hugo about his experience in the Philosophy Department at GSU as well as his current work.
Introduce yourself, please.
My name is Hugo Toudic, I enrolled as an exchange student in the first year of the program in philosophy at GSU in 2018 while finishing at the same time my MA in political theory at the Sorbonne.
What was your most memorable experience in the Philosophy dept at GSU?
I remember dearly the discussions with my friends in the computer lab after our classes. So many lively debates happened in there.
What have you been working on since leaving GSU?
I completed my thesis on Montesquieu and The Federalist Papers and I had the chance to get into a CNRS-University of Chicago's joint Ph.D. Program on this very topic. I am currently writing the last part of my dissertation.
How has an MA in Philosophy helped you in your current work or projects?
During these years studying for my MA, I developed my philosophical and literary culture in a tremendous way. I also improved my English in a manner that now allows me to give conferences in the USA without risking a nervous breakdown! But the main benefit of this education was to meet incredibly smart and sensitive friends.
Any advice for prospective students considering a degree in Philosophy?
I am not sure to be the best person to find for advice. I chose the topic of my thesis on the recommendation of a passionate teacher and then I met a wonderful professor at the Sorbonne who would become my Ph.D. advisor. I guess I would recommend to prospective students to trust those who trust them.
What are your interests and hobbies outside of school? What are you reading/watching/listening to lately?
I go a lot to the gym with a friend of mine and I am also trying to improve my swimming skills. I am lucky enough to travel a lot between Paris, Chicago, and Washington for my research. So when I am not working, I wander the streets of these great cities, catching up with the wonderful friends I've made during my time at Georgia State.