Stephanie Lehuger is a philosopher who defies conventions by bridging philosophy with diverse fields. With degrees in philosophy, computer science, public policy, and business, she explores the ethical, social and existential impact of new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, and fosters dialogue on life’s meaning, responsibility, and identity. Visit Stephanie’s website to discover her philosophical podcast, articles, conferences, and interviews.
What are you working on right now?
I’ve just finished writing an essay on Václav Havel’s philosophy. As a playwright, dissident, political prisoner, and President of the Czech Republic, he inspires us never to give up in our efforts to change the world despite the challenges we face. Havel raises important questions about our place and responsibility in the world, especially in times of ecological crises, pandemics, and conflicts. He explains how our identity is shaped by our responsibility towards it. Through his vision of truth, the Memory of Being, and the meaning of life, he offers practical answers to the crisis of meaning in our times and emphasizes that every individual can make a difference. His philosophy serves as a compass for our personal journey and our commitment to the world.
What’s your personal philosophy?
Doctrines tend to forget they are mere filters on the world, and not reality itself. Simplifying reality to explain it denies its complexity. This is why I reject universalism when it suppresses individuality. I refuse reductionism and acknowledge the ambiguity of situations and beings. I believe we mustn’t settle for oversimplifications. Truth is diverse, while ideologies suppress the chaos of life, demanding people abandon their individual identities for systems. Recognizing differing truths opens us to differences and alternative perspectives. It reveals countless ways to perceive the world. Ideologists, in contrast, impose their singular truth, denying otherness. Systems prioritize concepts and value ideas over sensory experiences, disregarding present realities. I worry about the dangers of this preference, which treats people as means to fulfill its desires. I believe that truth lies beyond apparent contradictions, encompassing the whole. To approach truth, we can combine multiple filters to explain reality. Multiplying perspectives brings us closer to the truth. A plural understanding of the world is vital for coexistence. As Arendt noted, “the end of the common world has come when it is seen only under one aspect and is permitted to present itself in only one perspective.” Nietzsche speaks of perspectivism, convinced that each person experiences reality through his or her own unique prism, with these perspectives representing as many possible interpretations, as many valid worlds. I share my perspective in my philosophical podcast (in French).
Which books have changed your life? In what ways?
Marcel Proust’s “In Search of Lost Time”” immediately springs to mind as a book that had a profound impact on me. It delves into profound philosophical themes such as time, memory, identity, and perception. Proust skillfully examines how these elements shape our understanding of the world and ourselves. Moreover, he tackles existential questions, including the quest for meaning in life. Proust’s unique and distinctive French prose allows for unparalleled introspection and reflection on the human condition.
I vividly recall feeling physically shaken while reading Friedrich Nietzsche’s “Human, All Too Human.” Having read it in my late teens, I believe it played a pivotal role in shaping the adult I was to become. Nietzsche’s endeavor to emancipate individuals from various intellectual and moral oppressions significantly challenged my beliefs and values during that period. He emphasized the imperative of independent thinking and the questioning of dogmas and social conventions. Since then, I have positioned myself intellectually in its aftermath, placing a strong emphasis on the importance of independent thinking and the questioning of dogmas and social conventions.
Albert Camus’ “The Myth of Sisyphus” may be the book that best captures my unease regarding the absurdity of the human condition. In my opinion, the greatness of this work resides in Camus’ ability to confront the absurdity of life, rejecting the pursuit of illusory meanings, reliance on external validation, and succumbing to despair. His belief in the capacity of individuals to discover personal significance through their own actions and choices is truly empowering.
Who do you think is the most overrated / underrated philosopher?
I believe Václav Havel is the most underrated philosopher. This perception largely stems from his personal reluctance to embrace the title, despite being widely recognized as one. Fascinated by his way of seeing the world, I wrote the philosophical essay that his humility prevented him from writing. Havel dismisses the label of philosopher, highlighting his modest approach to engaging in philosophical pursuits. Nevertheless, his extensive body of work, comprising letters, plays, essays, and speeches, delves into existential themes and fosters the development of his distinctive philosophical concepts, notably the profound notion of the “Memory of Being.” Havel’s philosophy is distinguished by his introspection, practical application, and ongoing refinement of ideas derived from his lived experiences.
Where would you go in a time machine?
In the late nineteenth century, my great-grandparents made a life-changing move from a village in the South of France to NYC, driven by the pursuit of a better life. The thought of exploring the city during that era, before the construction of skyscrapers, seeing it through their perspective, fills me with excitement. Meeting these remarkable pioneers, who I deeply identify with, would be an absolutely incredible experience.
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.
Alexis LaBar has a Master’s degree in Philosophy from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Before attending West Chester, she graduated from Moravian University with a Bachelor’s in Philosophy, a minor in Global Religions, and an Ethics certificate. She is the recipient of the 2022 Claghorn Award in Philosophy, awarded by West Chester University, and the 2021 Douglas Anderson Prize in Philosophy, awarded by Moravian University. She is the Editor of the Teaching Beat and Work/Life Balance Beat.
