Mark T. Conard is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Marymount Manhattan College in New York City. He’s the author of numerous essays in The Philosophy of Popular Culture and is the general editor of a series by that title at Lexington Books.
What time of day are you most productive and creative?
In the morning having coffee, and in the afternoon at coffee-time (are you seeing a pattern here?).
What excites you about philosophy?
Exploring and grappling with the most central questions human beings can face (that and the big bucks philosophy professors make).
What do you like to do outside work?
I write fiction and play in a blues band (though not at the same time).
The fiction is suspense. I’ve had one novel published by an independent press, and a couple of (sort of) self-published e-novels, but nothing as yet by a major publisher. I’m working hard to change that.
I play rhythm guitar and harmonica in The 30th Street Blues Band. We gig in small clubs around New York City. If you’re around, come see us.
What three items would you take to a desert island, other than food and water?
A boat and two oars.
Which super power would you like to have?
The ability to dodge bullets and not have to pay taxes.
If you were an ice cream, what flavor would you be?
Rocky Road.
If you were a brick in the wall, which brick would you be?
The cute one.
What technology do you wish the human race could discover right now?
A machine that would make members of Congress do their jobs.
Find out more about Mark Conard on his website.
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This section of the APA Blog is designed to get to know our fellow philosophers a little better. We’re including profiles of APA members that spotlight what captures their interest not only inside the office, but also outside of it. We’d love for you to be a part of it, so please contact us via the interview nomination form here.
Skye C. Cleary PhD MBA is a philosopher and author of How to Be Authentic: Simone de Beauvoir and the Quest for Fulfillment (2022), Existentialism and Romantic Love (2015) and co-editor of How to Live a Good Life (2020). She was a MacDowell Fellow (2021), awarded the 2021 Stanford Calderwood Fellowship, and won a New Philosopher magazine Writers’ Award (2017). She teaches at Columbia University and the City College of New York and is former Editor-in-Chief of the APA Blog.
