Mercier Dearwent is a junior with a major in Philosophy. They are particularly interested in ethics, aesthetics, and language. Read more below to learn about Mercier's thoughts on Philosophy and their experience in the program.
Why did you choose to major in Philosophy?
Philosophy fosters essential and widely applicable skills, namely writing and critical thinking. As a Philosophy major, I’m used to saying this frequently and often somewhat defensively. It’s true, but I highly doubt that’s why anyone chooses to be a Philosophy major. I’m a major for the standard reason: It’s my favorite thing in the world. I think it’s a credit to the major that I can call that the standard reason!
What has been your most memorable experience in the Phil dept at GSU thus far?
Getting to compete on the 2023 Ethics Bowl team as a part of Dr. Andrew I. Cohen’s Ethics and Contemporary Public Policy class was certainly memorable. It was a lot of work and a ton of fun. I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes the idea of playing a team sport but who will, let’s be honest with ourselves, never join a sport.
What lectures, readings, experiences, etc. have you enjoyed the most?
Dr Berry’s course Arguing About Art was the best introduction to the Philosophy of art that I could have asked for and it played a big part in convincing me to choose this major. Dr. Rand’s Existentialism was also formative during my freshman year, and the readings from Kierkegaard’s Fear and Trembling particularly stuck with me.
What are your future plans?
I’m planning on going to law school after graduation, but I’m never done with Philosophy! The legal practice incorporates both ethics and the Philosophy of language, so I hope it will be a place to apply the concepts I’ve been studying as an undergraduate. I plan on spending some time in public interest law before getting a graduate degree in Philosophy. If I know myself at all, I know I will crave the academic environment as soon as I’m taken out of it. Just try not to remind me I wrote this if I’m ever complaining about a class.
Any advice for prospective students considering a major/minor in Philosophy?
Get involved in the department! I’m a bit biased, but I think the Philosophers’ Forum is the best way to start whether you’re a major, a minor, or just someone interested in the subject. It’s interesting, casual, and I’ve made some truly great friends through the club. I hear that someday we might even get marginally less annoying about Kierkegaard.
Tell us more about yourself- interests, hobbies, etc.
In my free time, I act as the secretary of the Philosophers’ Forum (hence the potential bias). I also enjoy kayaking, making art, and playing tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons.