Philosophy Student Union Updates
by Tessa Whittle
Nava Karimi, the current president of the (PhilSU) about what’s going on in the department. The union is interested in building community within undergraduate philosophy students, and with grad students and faculty members. If you are looking to meet up with other members of the philosophy community, check out their for upcoming events. Here’s a rundown of some things to keep an eye out for: PHILClub meetings, PhilosoFUN! events, and PhilSU journal events and calls for submissions.
Nava told me that PHILClub is “a no-experience-needed, any-student-drop-by discussion about a broad philosophical topic.” At the events, members of the PhilSU host and moderate an undergraduate discussion in the common room. Last year’s PHIL Club topics included “What is philosophy?”, Ethics and Social Norms (in collaboration with the Sociology and Anthropology Student Union, SASU), and Gender and Sexuality (with the Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies Student Union, GAWSSU).
PhilosoFUN events (which I already knew about from enjoying their free coffee and treats) are causal drop-in events hosted by the PhilSU. Undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty members are all welcome to come by and grab a coffee and a snack, and chat with other members of the ¶ˇĎăÔ°AV philosophy community. There are sometimes activities (like button making or board games), but it’s okay if you just come for the snacks. They are truly (phi)lots of fun!
Finally, the Philosophy Student Union has an undergraduate Journal. Sending a paper into the journal is a great chance to share your work with other students and get feedback on your ideas. Excitingly, Taylor Ivan, the Journal’s new editor, tells me that they are in the midst of a rebrand this year! Keep an eye out on the PhilSU Instagram or the for updates and calls for submissions.
Have philoso-fun this philo-semester!