Eric Thomas Weber is Associate Professor of Educational Policy at the University of Kentucky, Executive Director of the Society of Philosophers in America, co-host of the Philosophy Bakes Bread radio show and podcast, and author most recently of Democracy and Leadership and Uniting Mississippi. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
What interests you most about philosophy?
Without question, what excites me about philosophy is public engagement. The deepest form of that is in teaching, and so the most important example is in the success of so many great students I’ve worked with. It doesn’t end there though. It takes the form of op-ed writing, public talks, radio and television interviews, and the launch of SOPHIA’s radio show and podcast, Philosophy Bakes Bread. There is a hunger, especially among those who have completed their schooling. Reading privately is wonderful, but being able to engage people in discussion and reaching out to folks via social media, changes the whole dynamic that once limited public engagement to one-way pronouncements. Readers, social media followers and friends, and radio and podcast listeners reach out regularly with kind appreciation as well as fascinating questions and challenges. It’s been hugely rewarding to engage with a large pool of friends and fellows.
What is your favorite holiday and why?
I love Thanksgiving. It’s a holiday that could be celebrated by anyone. My family used to invite over for dinner anyone who didn’t have family in the U.S., to join us for a meal and fellowship. It’s a holiday whose central meaning is the practice of a great virtue, which can make us all happier and kinder people.
What is your favorite book of all time and why?
When I was thinking hard about what I wanted to do in life, In Love with Life by my former professor, John Lachs, was singularly the most helpful resource for me. It gave me a variety of powerful philosophical tools that continue to enable my happiness today. We recorded an episode of Philosophy Bakes Bread with John about the book here.
What are your goals and aspirations outside work?
I’d love to become more efficient as a woodworker. Most of what I post on that work is on Instagram. I enjoy the hobby that I dove into three years ago, but I’m slow in completing projects. I’m not doing it for the sake of lots of quick production, but there are many things I want to make and little time. As I get more experienced, things go faster and I’m able to do more. I’d love to make more things for my family and friends, and for giving away to good causes. That sounds like something I might really enjoy and feel good about one day.
Who is your favorite philosopher and why?
John Dewey was a remarkable person. He was on the right side of history in so many ways. He was a prolific scholar in philosophy. At the same time, he recognized and called attention to the incredible value and potential for philosophers to contribute publicly to leadership and policy. He was a powerful voice for democratic values in education and for a variety of causes for progress, such as for women’s suffrage and for the advancement of workers’ rights. He wrote frequently for the New Republicand many other newspapers and magazines. Dewey was a great example of the best of publicly engaged philosophy.
What cause or charity do you care about most?
I serve as Executive Director of the Society of Philosophers in America, Inc. (SOPHIA), because I believe strongly in its mission, which is, in short, to build communities of philosophical conversation. So many people see philosophy and education more broadly as something done only in school. I believe that it’s vital to remind people that learning can and should be lifelong. At the same time, people need spaces in which they can engage in it safely, with civility and fellowship. More than ever before, I believe that Americans have a need for greater civility and ability to talk with one another about issues, policies, and big questions. SOPHIA offers examples, in our journal, Civil American, and our radio show and podcast, Philosophy Bakes Bread. We’ve launched a few of our very first local chapters, such as our groups in Lexington, KY, Milwauke, WI, and two in Washington, in Seattle and Tacoma, which all seem to be growing fast, as people see the value in philosophical friendships and community building.
What technology do you wish the human race could discover?
We still know very little about healing brain injuries. If I could waive a functioning magic wand, I’d make it so that brain injuries could be healed more easily and completely. My daughter suffered a stroke on her first day of life. It’s not just the elderly who suffer from such injuries.
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.
Dr. Sabrina D. MisirHiralall is an editor at the Blog of the APA who currently teaches philosophy, religion, and education courses solely online for Montclair State University, Three Rivers Community College, and St. John’s University.
