Chitranjan Greer-Travis is currently a doctoral student at the University of Toledo, Judith Herb College of Education. He is studying Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education, with an emphasis on Philosophy of Education. Chitranjan minors in Peace Education, and is interested in moral, social, and political philosophy, Africana philosophy, aesthetics, and moral psychology.
What excites you about philosophy?
I must say that teaching philosophy is exciting. I started teaching at Washtenaw Community College in 2008. I would also say that learning philosophy and being in the presence of others who enjoy philosophy gets me pretty riled up!
What are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
I am currently reading Achille Mbembe’s (2019) Necro-Politics, Degenerations of Democracy by Calhoun, C., Gaonkar, D. and Taylor, C. (2022), and the Three Body Problem by Cixin Liu (2016). I’d highly recommend all three books.
What is your favorite sound in the world?
For me, I think my favorite sound is the dawn chorus or John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme or Miles Davis’ Flamenco Sketches.
Who is your favorite philosopher and why?
This is a tough question. Today, I think I would say Charles Mills. Mills changed my outlook on the philosophy of race. Also, he has a way of presenting his ideas that are both funny and thought-provoking. Mills has been a great influence. I am saddened that I just missed the opportunity to meet him before his passing.
What is your most treasured memory?
I’m a bass player and I’ve had the opportunity to meet Ron Carter, Christian McBride, Gary Karr, Ray Brown, Rodney Whittaker, Victor Wooten, and last (but certainly not least) Edgar Meyer. Life is precious. Filled with great memories. So happy to have met all of those that I have mentioned.
What time of day are you most productive and creative?
For some reason, I am most productive between 4:00AM-8:00AM.
If you could wake up tomorrow with a new talent, what would you most like it to be?
For me, I’d love to have the ability to speed through books or astral travel.
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.
