Brian Dirk Eckley is a Ph.D. student in philosophy at Purdue University, currently in his final semester (Spring 2022). His work uses Simone de Beauvoir’s existentialist ethics on contemporary moral problems. Accordingly, he specializes in applied ethics, moral theory, and
What excites you about philosophy?
If I were to sum it all up, I’d say it is the feeling that I am doing fun and important work. I focus on contemporary moral problems, and it is exciting to have my say on them get published. It is exciting to write something original and to go to conferences to talk about it with people who are equally as passionate.
I also suspect that my ADHD has something to do with my passion for philosophy. For those who don’t know, ADHD is just a lower-than-average level of dopamine. I am always looking for a new source of dopamine to enjoy, and philosophical literature always has new ideas and arguments to direct one’s focus. Usually people with ADHD bounce around among different hobbies and interests; philosophy is the only thing that has managed to keep my attention consistently for several years.
Above all, what I really enjoy is teaching philosophy and sharing my passion with my students. I love it when my students actively participate in class discussion and contribute their own unique thoughts. I enjoy discussing philosophy with my students so much that I created, in response to classes going online asynchronously during the pandemic, an assignment that requires each student to meet with me, either one-on-one or two-on-one, to discuss the week’s material. Teaching during the pandemic would have been dreadfully dull otherwise.
What topic do you think is under explored in philosophy?
Asexuality (as a sexual orientation). Granted, it is underexplored in general. I am working on an article that explores the topic in relation to the ethics of sex. I think that philosophers of sex need to consider asexuality because it challenges some of their typical concepts. For example, we often think that moral sex requires reciprocity. Indeed, Beauvoir emphasizes the need for reciprocity. But asexual folks can help us refine what we ought to mean by reciprocity. See, asexuality is (typically) defined as having little to no sexual attraction to anyone. Notice that this definition is about attraction, not behavior. There are asexual folks who have sex for various reasons. I believe that when we think of reciprocity in sex, we are typically thinking of it as a reciprocity in desire that includes each partner respecting the other(s). But if that were true, then asexual folks, who experience little to no sexual desire, could never have moral sex. In my article (which I’m still working on and hope to get published) I claim that asexuality opens the door for rethinking how we understand and value sex, which in turn allows us to understand how asexual folks can have moral sex.
If you could wake up tomorrow with a new talent, what would you most like it to be?
I’d like to be fluent in Spanish, French, and ASL. That probably counts as three. I’ve studied Spanish off and on since middle school, and I would like to finally say I am fluent in it. I’ve learned how to read French decently well for my research on Beauvoir. ASL is just because it would be nice to communicate with deaf folks.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
Getting my article, “Personal Foul: Indifference to Native Americans,” accepted for publication. It is currently forthcoming in Social Theory and Practice. In it I argue against the use of, what I call, pseudo-Native-American representations (PNAR) in sports e.g. mascots, team names, logos, team fight songs, and fan rituals. I had the idea for the article in a graduate course on contemporary feminist ethics. I read Sonia Kruks’ Simone de Beauvoir and the Politics of Ambiguity for that course, which had a section on social indifference regarding Native Americans. Though she did not discuss mascots specifically, I could immediately see how what she was saying was relevant to the issue. This was a bit of an existential crisis for me because at the time I was an avid fan of the Washington football team formerly known as the R-skins. (I’ve since dropped my fandom, and the new “Commanders” name has not persuaded me back.) I felt like writing that article and getting it published was my way of atoning for my previous support of the team’s name and other PNAR.
What three things are on your bucket list that you’ve not yet accomplished?
- I want to start a blog on philosophy and Avatar: The Last Airbender. It is my favorite show and I’ve analyzed it thoroughly through the lens that is my philosophical expertise. Once I defend my dissertation, I’ll have time to finally get it started. I have several ideas for interpretations of the show through a Western lens, but I am also looking to learn more about Buddhism, which was a source of inspiration for the Air Nomads in the show.
- I want to go to Costa Rica. I’ve been interested in it ever since I found out they abolished their military, which is, of course, a stark contrast to American imperialism. It is also a gorgeous country.
- Would it be too obvious to say, “Get a full-time job in academia”?
What’s your poison? (Favorite drink.)
I used to be into tequila, but now I focus on beer. I like trying different local craft beers while I travel. I’ve tried many different kinds, but I typically gravitate towards IPAs, lagers, and ciders.
What advice do you wish someone had given you?
Go to therapy. Grad school is tough and has a knack for inducing imposter syndrome. My therapist calls it “emotion mind” whenever you start having a bunch of intrusive I-statement thoughts like, “I’m not good enough,” or whatever else. She has helped me realize that my insecurities are not often grounded in fact. Since I’ve started therapy, I’ve had a lot more self-confidence.
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.
