Ana Gomez is a Ph.D. Candidate in Philosophy at Purdue University. In her undergraduate studies, she majored both in Law and Philosophy and became a licensed attorney in Colombia, her home country. Ana’s areas of interest include philosophy of law, social and political philosophy, applied ethics, and human rights.
What are you working on right now?
My dissertation. It focuses on the problem of the practical application of international legal human rights, and on the explanatory roles of national social contracts to account for such a problem. Part of my motivation to carry out this project is to show that philosophers can contribute to the work of theorizing the effective implementation of legal rights.
What three things are on your bucket list that you’ve not yet accomplished?
Earning a PADI scuba diver certification, camping in the Atacama Desert, and doing research in Germany to practice the language full-time.
What are you reading right now?
A Philosophy of Struggle, particularly the essay on dignity therein, by Leonard Harris, who is on my dissertation committee. Teresa Santiago and Michael Walzer on humanitarian interventions. Beth A. Simmons’ Mobilizing for Human Rights: International Law in Domestic Politics. And the essays in Philosophical Foundations of Human Rights.
What time of day are you most productive and creative?
I am most efficient in my philosophical work between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. In the afternoons, I focus better on administrative tasks. Consistency is key.
What cause or charity do you care about most?
Supporting organizations that rescue and rehabilitate non-human animals from conditions of cruelty and negligence. Three non-profits I know that merit support are FRAD, Isla Animal, and Angeles con Patas. Whereas my research is focused on human rights, for years I have had a personal interest in learning about and getting involved with the protection of other forms of life.
What are you most proud of in your professional life?
Becoming an educator. At Purdue, I have been fortunate to find resources and mentors who have trained me to improve practices and strategies to teach philosophy, particularly to STEM students. Teaching is an art, and I plan to keep improving on it for as long as I have the opportunity. The other big success is witnessing my own growth as a researcher. I am much more confident in my ideas and my identity as a philosopher than I was a couple years ago.
Where would you go in a time machine?
A few decades back, to the town where my mother’s family grew up, Magangué. I wish I could have a glimpse into their lives when they were younger, spend the time I could not with my grandparents, and meet my great-grandparents.
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.
