Jesse Ciccotti completed his PhD at Hong Kong Baptist University in 2018. His dissertation compared Mengzi (Mencius) with Marcus Aurelius on what makes a good authoritarian ruler. His primary areas of philosophical research are in Chinese and Greco-Roman philosophies, and comparative philosophy.
What are you working on right now?
As my wife likes to say, I always have many irons in the fire. It doesn’t help that I’m much like Isaiah Berlin’s fox, and not much like the hedgehog.
I have several papers in various stages on Marcus Aurelius’s philosophy, looking at his eclectic but substantive use of Stoic perspectives on various topics such as anger, clemency, justice, and rarely looked at, aesthetics (although Marcus is often invoked for his aesthetically driven language; co-authoring with Jonathan Johnson).
I have a chapter from my dissertation on Mengzi (Mencius) and feminist ethics of care waiting for revision.
One project I have long been sitting on is to serve once again as guest editor of Contemporary Chinese Thought, producing a two-issue project on the 20th century scholar Zhang Dainian 张岱年. He wrote prolifically in philosophy, but very little of his work has seen a wider audience through translation. I hope to publish one issue of Zhang’s own writings, and a second issue demonstrating his impact on other Chinese scholars.
Lastly, I am about half way through writing a paper tentatively titled: “Philosophical Foundations for a Chinese Christian Theology of the Family.”
Name a trait, skill or characteristic that you have that others may not know about.
If I dare to make a comparison of myself and Master Kong (Confucius), it is that he and I did not grow up wealthy, and so we have had opportunities to develop many talents that may seem strange for a “philosopher.” Here is just one that I enjoy immensely: I am adept at making hand-blown glass. I learned this skill when I was about 12 or 13 from my dad (check out his shop! ciccottiartglass.com). I took a long hiatus from it while I lived in China. Since returning to the US in 2018 I have dabbled in it again, and will be working on a few small pieces as an installation to adorn the remodeled bathroom in our second floor.
What do you like to do outside work?
Since I am not currently gainfully employed as a philosopher, I like to read and write in philosophy outside of work. I have been invited to join a small graduate-level academy that is in the process of getting established. Once that happens, my main free-time interests will include things like hiking, camping, rock climbing, and other outdoors activities.
What is your favorite film of all time? (Or top 3). Why? To whom would you recommend them?
I freely confess, it is Princess Bride. I am actually right in the middle of reading the book (by S. Morgenstern (“Abridged” by William Goldman) to my two boys. It is eminently quotable in pretty much any and every situation. And, as far as movie adaptations of a book goes, this ranks at the top.
What are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
Lately I have been reading Ivan Illich. I started with Tools for Conviviality, followed by Deschooling Society, and will soon be moving on to The Rivers North of the Future. My first philosophical forays were in Chinese Philosophy and later complimented that with Greco-Roman philosophy, but I am beginning to expand into more contemporary authors dealing with issues that are particularly “modern.” Illich’s bold critique of many modern institutions immediately make one feel uncomfortable. While some of his ideas may feel outdated, many of his critiques have only increased in value in spite of the rapid changes in our tools (particularly digital tools) in the two decades since his death.
What is your least favorite type of fruit and why?
Durian. Hands down. I did try it once. I was dared by a Chinese friend to try it. He said the best durian is found in Singapore, and I promised that, if I EVER went to Singapore, I would try durian. To my chagrin, a conference I regularly participated in announced that the next meeting would be in Singapore! So, I gave it my best shot. I only gagged once.
If you could only use one condiment for the rest of your life, which condiment would you pick and why?
Mild Yellow Mustard. In the last 10 years it has become my favorite. Something about the tangy, sourness.
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.
