Travis Darnold recently completed his graduate work in philosophy from San Jose State University. He is currently living in San Jose while he prepares for the PhD application season. His interests center on metaethics, political and social philosophy and philosophy of language, particularly as these fields pertain to hermeneutics.
What excites you about philosophy?
Amongst the common answers to this question, what excites me about philosophy is the (supposed?) freedom to think. What first drew me to philosophy was the lack of attempts from others to stifle incessant questioning. Honestly, in a good number of ways, philosophy saved my life.
What topic do you think is under explored in philosophy?
I am not sure this counts but, with respect to PhD programs, the purpose of specialization. At first glance, it appears that specialization is a good thing—and surely there is truth to that! Specialization has provoked many valuable conversations. I just worry that, fundamentally speaking, specialization is the fruit of our consumer/capitalistic proclivities. These are not trivial matters either. I recently listened to a podcast that covered this. The central worry was that when one specializes, they learn more and more about less and less such that the less and less ends up determining that individual’s perception entirely. That is an incredibly rough sketch, but I think the point is there.
What common philosophical dilemma do you think has a clear answer?
Why humans dominate one another.
If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future, or anything else, what would you want to know?
I think I would want to know if the future me is kind. I hope I am.
What is your favorite sound in the world?
1. Call of Duty (Modern Warfare/Warzone) hit-markers.
2. A microwave’s beeping.
3. Taya Smith’s voice.
If you could be anyone else for a day, who would that be and why?
Wittgenstein. From what I understand, many think that he was autistic. If accurate, I would love to see how he phenomenologically experienced meltdowns, as well as what he did to stim.
What is your favorite film of all time? (Or top 3). Why? To whom would you recommend them?
I am not sure about all time, but here is my top three as of late:
1. Halloween (2018). Assuming one has already seen John Carpenter’s (1978), I would recommend this movie to anyone thinking about the randomness of trauma and how trauma follows you. Myers, at least to me, represents the sheer randomness of trauma and violence. I mean, Laurie Strode (in Carpenter’s entry) was just singing a love song as she walked to school! She had no idea she would be a target. And, honestly, there was zero reason why she should have been.
2. Texas Chainsaw (2013; spoiler alert!). If you can stomach it, anyone who thinks that we are radically free ought to watch this movie. Importantly, Heather (the main character) ultimately learns that she is a close relative to Leatherface; indeed, she is a Sawyer. That she is a sawyer means that she is storied. She inherits a story that heavily determines her life going forward. Sure, she could simply pretend that this is not true. The reality, however, is that she is a Sawyer. I think the movie is paradigmatic for us all. That is, we are all analogical Sawyers.
3. Twilight Saga: Despite the obvious contemporary moral complications, the series—the story—I just find to be so damn beautiful. The opening scene of the last movie must be seen by everyone. For those interested in transformative experiences, that opening scene is invaluable.
Where would you go in a time machine?
Assuming I could not get injured, I would either go to a time when the Megalodon was still alive or to one of the old Italian Mafia’s extremely important meetings. I would be pleased with either.
What advice do you wish someone had given you?
Never tell someone else that they are the only ones who can make up their own mind.
Who is your favorite philosopher and why?
I am not sure I have one. I really enjoy reading dark philosophers like Schopenhauer. A good deal of good work gets done in those regions. I also really like Iris Murdoch, Mary Midgley and Julia Annas. Wittgenstein is a must. However, I am really drawn to thinkers who never entered proper philosophical training but, if they did, would have been powerhouses. Kobe is a good example. If you listen to his interviews, particularly the one he did with Muse, you hear a philosopher! You hear someone who had to really figure out how to go on. You hear a thinker. J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Wayne, Logic…all these guys fall into that category as well. Their ability to take their experiences and put them into intelligibly provocative forms of communication is genius (for example, listen to J. Cole’s Middle Child). Stone Cold Steve Austin and Steve-O are good candidates too.
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.
