Josue Caramés is a Ph.D. in Religion student with a concentration in Philosophy of Religion and Theology at Claremont Graduate University. He has a particular interest in philosophical hermeneutics, phenomenology of religion, and philosophical theology. He is originally from Spain and currently works as a professor of Philosophy and Theology at Facultad de Teología de Dios de las Asambleas de Diosin Spain and as an Instructional Designer at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.
What excites you about philosophy?
While my ultimate concerns are grounded in religious matters, specifically in Christian theology and philosophy, I believe philosophy is the language and the method of exploring such concerns. I often find that the over-specialization of scholars has led the academia and professional world into contextual isolation and the marginalization of knowledge as a whole. Thus, when I was exposed to Paul Tillich’s “method of correlation” early in my academic studies, I could not continue thinking about theology as a separate type of knowledge (divine) without correlating it with the deepest existential human questions. Whether there is such a divine knowledge or not means little if humans cannot relate. If religion still exists, it is precisely because for some, such correlation exists. My excitement for philosophy draws from the exposure to knowledge comprehensively. It is in philosophy that I am able to examine religion from a multidisciplinary approach. For instance, I can examine religion as knowledge, as experience, as perception, as hermeneutical position, and so on. This excitement is further invigorated by the fact that philosophy does not necessarily require me to explore those topics from a dogmatic stance, like it might with confessional theology, but rather from a meta-theological perspective so to speak.
What is your favorite sound in the world?
I started playing the violin when I was four years old and while I have to admit that the next decade in my musical journey sounded more like a “wet cat,” after some time, the sound of the violin became special to me. I was graced with the opportunity of formally studying music for over ten years and experienced many different musical instruments, but for me, no other instrument can replace the sound of the violin. For more on what I mean, I would highly recommend exploring the partitas for violin by Bach, performed by Itzhak Perlman, or if you prefer a more modern taste, you could try the masterful composer Max Richter.
What do you like to do outside work?
I enjoy playing the violin, reading philosophical and/or theological books with a good cup of espresso, riding my motorcycle (I am fan of MotoGP), going snowboarding, and going camping with my family. In addition, I enjoy software engineering, network security and cybersecurity solutions, and infrastructure virtualization.
If you could have a one-hour conversation with any philosopher or historical figure from any time, who would you pick and what topic would you choose?
Only a one-hour conversation? In the philosophical world that sounds like an elevator conversation. In the first hour I would still be trying to ask my question, haha. I would love to talk with Emmanuel Levinas about onto-theo-logy, his concept of infinity, and how placing “ethics” at the center, or at the beginning of knowledge, affects his understanding of God, humanity, and even scientific knowledge.
What’s your favorite quote?
There was a time when I was in the military in Spain, serving as what would be the equivalent to an American Navy SEAL, when my Sargent asked me why I wanted to take the special forces training and become a SEAL. I remember responding with, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Although they usually ask you this for you to give them a superficial and senseless answer so they can crush you in every way imaginable, the Sargent seemed to have agreed with me as he simply skipped me in his Machiavellian plan.
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 to nominate yourself or a friend.
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.
