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Philosophy, B.A. | Class of
Shmuel Gomes
Ph.D. student in philosophy
Employer: University of California, Riverside
Job description: I'm doing my Ph.D. in philosophy at UC Riverside, focusing my studies on ethics and moral psychology. I began my first year with a fellowship, and now work in the department as a teaching assistant and associate instructor. Topics that I am exploring in my current research include theories of why we, human beings, warrant moral concern, what other types of creatures warrant moral concern, and the basis of moral agency.
About Shmuel
Why did you choose this program?
I have always wondered about the "big" questions in life, such as how I should live my life as an individual, how we, as a community, should live together, and metaphysical questions about the nature of reality. I also realized that how we answer these questions fundamentally shapes our lives as individuals and as a society, for better or for worse. For these reasons, pursuing philosophy seemed like the most important field that I could study, and a way of changing both myself and the world for the better.
How did this program prepare you for your job?
Humboldt's philosophy program gave me a strong foundation in the history of Western philosophy, which has proven essential to my current studies as a graduate student. It also acquainted me with philosophical traditions outside of Western philosophy, which, in turn, has allowed me to approach contemporary philosophy from a range of different perspectives. Additionally, the "soft skills" that I developed by studying philosophy—such as critical thinking and clear communication—have served me well in research and writing positions that I held before beginning my Ph.D.
What did you enjoy most about the program?
The Department of Philosophy has unsurpassed warmth and collegiality—the professors truly care about you, both as a student and as a person, and the students form a supportive community among themselves. Having this sort of personalized attention and connection is certainly the most enjoyable aspect of the program, and is also among its most important.
What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?
Philosophy allows you to think about what truly matters in life, and teaches you to think critically and communicate clearly. These are life skills that will serve you well no matter where life brings you, and talents that employers appreciate in any sector of business. If these are the sorts of skills that you would like to graduate college with, then pursuing a philosophy degree is an excellent choice.