Keanu Vargus

About Keanu

Why did you choose this program?

Logic was what really drew me to the program initially. Logic was a class that helped me improve in all my other classes as well as in my personal life. It taught me how to break big problems into smaller, more manageable ones. Most of all logic revealed to me the structure of good, bad, and completely fallacious arguments. I gained more utility from that single class than from all the other classes I took that semester put together.

How did this program prepare you for your job?

Philosophy prepared me for a career in cannabis by teaching me two things: the nature of deductive arguments; and the ability to read dense and complex source material and then present that material in layman's terms. I work in a system (METRC) and the rules of that system are determined by the laws in place by the state. It's a lot like learning a new board game. There are things you can and cannot do in the game but to know the difference you have to read the rules, apply them, and be able to explain them to others.

What did you enjoy most about the program?

The philosophy classes that I took were the only places I could engage with my professors directly. I could get feedback on which of my ideas were sound, incomplete, or incoherent. It was the only place where different perspectives could exist. What mattered was how you made your case.

What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?

Philosophy is an area of study that can greatly improve your ability to problem solve, communicate, and contend with different perspectives that you may not agree with. You will encounter all three when you set out for a career and in general. Most importantly philosophy can test and/or reveal your values. Now is the time when you can dedicate some real thought to this. You'll need to know what you value in order to determine a purpose for yourself both personally and professionally.