Trevor Adams is a PhD candidate at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His primary research interests are epistemology, philosophy of mind, and philosophy of religion. His dissertation is focused on the nature and rationality of hope.
What excites you about philosophy?
Since philosophy is both an individual and group activity I think there are really two things that excite me about philosophy. First, I find it exciting to finally “see” something you’ve been missing for your paper. It’s similar to finding a good chess move or figuring out some mystery in a movie or novel. That feeling of “Oh! I got it!” is amazing. Second, I find it exciting when you get to talk about philosophy with non-philosophers. The feeling of walking someone through a series of philosophical ideas is strangely nostalgic. When you’re a kid you always want to show your friends something cool that you found, and explaining some topic or argument in philosophy feels the same way to me. It’s a mix of excitement about the thing you are showing them and a shared excitement when they start to understand the ideas. I love it.
What are you working on right now?
Right now, I am working on a chapter of my dissertation describing the nature of hope. My view is that hope is a form of emotional investment. I argue that when we hope for something we are making an emotional down payment, so to speak, in the form of anticipatory thoughts and feelings. The expectation is that we will receive an emotional profit (i.e. the elation we feel when the hoped-for outcome obtains). However, we also run the risk of losing our investment (i.e. the disappointment we feel when the hoped-for outcome does not obtain).
What books are currently on your ‘to read’ list?
The list is constantly growing but the immediate plan is to read the following: Dune by Frank Herbert, Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky, The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett, Wandering in Darkness by Eleonore Stump, and Noise by Daniel Kahneman.
What would your childhood self say if someone told you that you would grow up to be a philosopher?
He would probably ask what a philosopher is. After that, he would most likely be concerned that he doesn’t end up being a basketball player and rockstar. That being said, I was the gadfly of my home. I liked to ask a lot of questions, so perhaps if someone had told me that I was exhibiting a philosophy trait I would have been excited.
What time of day are you most productive and creative?
I’m most productive in the morning after approximately 32 ounces of coffee. However, I am probably most creative when I am performing some dull task like chores around the house.
Which superpower would you like to have?
This might be cheating, but I would like to have two powers in tandem. I want the ability to see in the dark and the ability to stay awake perpetually. I think this is the best combo to have whether you decide to be a traditional vigilante or just a normal person with powers. The central power is the ability to never sleep, the night vision is merely so that I don’t have to worry about light so much all those nights I spend up. Personally, I would love to just write all night long and then spend my days with people.
What do you like to do outside work?
My most prominent hobbies are chess and disc golf. There are folks in my department who play both so whenever we need a break from work we always seem to play one or the other (it depends on the weather). Right now, I am obsessed with duck chess.
What’s your favorite quote?
Since I’ve been reading so much about hope lately, my favorite quote right now is from Maria Popova, “Critical thinking without hope is cynicism. Hope without critical thinking is naïveté.”
What’s your poison? (Favorite drink.)
Beer, hands down. Which beer depends on the season. Given it’s winter right now I’ve got to go with Jubelale from Deschutes Brewery. It’s an amazing winter ale. In the warmer months, I am reaching for a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.
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.
