Club Spotlight: University of Scranton Philosophy Society
Members of The University of Scranton Philosophy Society.
In an occasional series, Royal News spotlights clubs from the university’s 80+ student organizations on campus, speaks to members, and offers information on how to connect with the clubs.
To suggest suggest a club for a future Royal News article, share ideas, or to inform us of any upcoming club events, please email RoyalNews@scranton.edu or Gabriella.petti@scranton.edu
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Club: The University of Scranton Philosophy Society
Meet: Tess Sinclair ‘23, is a senior biology and philosophy major on the pre-med track from Bensalem, Pennsylvania, and president of the Philosophy Society. She is shown during a summer visit to Walt Disney World.
Connect: @uofs.ps
By: Gabriella Petti ’24, student correspondent
Q: What has been your favorite philosophy class at the University?
A: "Medical ethics. As a pre-med student interested in philosophy and becoming a physician, this class was most relevant to my interests."
Q: Does The University of Scranton Philosophy Society host special events or speakers?
A: "The Philosophy Society invites guest speakers who are professors from the Philosophy Department, to join us at each of our meetings to offer presentations on topics of their choice. Members can experience philosophical ideas and thinkers beyond those typically taught in class. Professors have spoken to the group about anxiety, ADHD, free will, feminist philosophy, Crusius (a German philosopher), among many other topics."
Q: Describe a typical meeting?
A: "On Tuesdays, every other week, at 6 p.m. in St. Thomas 312, the Society gathers. Presentations vary from lectures and Powerpoint slide decks, to discussion-based learning. Club meetings last approximately one hour with professors presenting for 35 to 45 minutes, then inviting student questions for the remainder of the meeting."
Q: What inspired you to become a member?
A: "I joined the Philosophy Society as a freshman to expand my knowledge in an area I was not too familiar with and to meet others interested in philosophy."
Q: Why should people should join?
A: "I think people should join The University of Scranton Philosophy Society to learn more about philosophical topics that are not usually taught in a class.... Students are able to ask questions and engage more on topics of interest without the pressure of an exam or paper."
Q: Who is your favorite philosopher, and why?
A: "My favorite philosopher is Heraclitus because of his quote, 'No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.' Heraclitus believed that everything is in constant flux. As a STEM major, I easily understood and applied his philosophy."
