Martin Vacek is a philosopher at the Institute of Philosophy of the Slovak Academy of Sciences. He works in metaphysics, especially (any aspect of) modality. He also organizes Issues on the (Im)Possible conferences, runs metaphysics.sk philosophy portal, is a Chair of Analytic Philosophy Department and executive editor of journal Organon F.
What are you working on right now?
My current interests include the metaphysics of modality, especially the nature of possible and impossible worlds, counterpossibles and the extent of impossibility. Also, I’m interested in meaningfulness of metaphysical debates and controversies that arise around them.
What is your favorite thing that you’ve written?
It is probably my PhD thesis, since I spent four years of my life thinking about it. I also enjoyed writing on the possibility of the Discworld as a part of the Philosophy and Terry Pratchett volume.
If you could wake up tomorrow with a new talent, what would you most like it to be?
I think this might be answered with a motto from a sticker:
Why be difficult, with some effort you can be impossible
What do you like to do outside work?
Although tightly connected to my work, travelling and exploring new places reveals many interesting dimensions for me, both work related and not work related.
When did you last sing to yourself, or to someone else?
It was a karaoke session in August 2016 after the Issues on the (Im)Possible IV conference in Bratislava.
What time of day are you most productive and creative?
In the morning, usually after my second coffee. Then in the afternoon, usually around 5pm when other academic responsibilities get slower.
Where is your favourite place you have ever traveled and why?
Australia and New Zealand, although I do not have an exhaustive answer why. My working hypothesis is that it is a supervenient combination of beautiful nature, people, red wine and philosophical tradition.
Find out more about Martin here!
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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.
