When I was recently invited to volunteer as a Series Editor for the American Philosophical Association, I didn’t question whether I have the proper background or education, but rather asked “When can I first assist those embarking on their graduate path?” While my undergraduate is a B.S. in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach) and my Master’s is currently an M.A. in International Relations, my desire to both improve myself and others with literature has always been present. Working as a writer, tutor, and later editor for technical papers, such as aerospace designs, I developed a passion for helping those not only refine their ideas but for their ideas to reach a bigger audience. In the past, working with both English speakers and Non-Native speakers really opened my perspective on how different people may approach a writing prompt. I would say that presently my vision for the Graduate Student Reflection Series is to assist and have a proactive role in the presentation of posts to help current students voice their experiences within their studies of philosophies. By helping graduate students as a series editor, I believe my vision will help those currently taking graduate philosophy classes and those aspiring to pursue philosophy within a graduate setting. While I do not have an undergraduate or graduate degree in philosophy, I understand the importance of supplying a platform to new voices in the field of this study.
My knowledge and appreciation for philosophy, especially Taoism and Buddhism, stems from the philosophy/religion courses I took during my senior year of college. As I completed the STEM credit requirements for my degree, I enrolled in both Comparative Religions and later World Philosophy. Specifically World Philosophy, taught by an eccentric professor who advised us “not to think like engineers,” this course really opened my eyes to something I was not aware of. I have read the Tao Te Ching for leisure, but it wasn’t until my spring semester of senior year that we took a closer look at what the book was saying and how we could apply that to everyday life. Most of my philosophy knowledge was Western focused, as is much liberal arts education for a STEM university, but the lessons from Lao Tzu, Zhuangzi, and Lie Yukou were not only refreshing but guiding. While I never took a deep dive into Western classics such as Plato or Socrates, the Eastern concepts of Wu-Wei and other “forcelessness” axioms excited me. Modern Eastern philosophers and their ideas, such as Alan Watts and pursuing a life where money is no object, also helped me when I was going through personal struggles. While my master’s degree does not extend to the same reach of philosophical discourse as a professional degree, there are elements of overlap between a country’s foreign policy and how they understand the world. My master’s thesis will be on the cybersecurity of satellites and while that does not involve philosophy directly, how a country will devise its tactics, techniques, and procedures does have some origination of how they perceive the world.
As I currently work as an Intelligence Analyst around the DC Metro Area, my research does not actively employ lessons from philosophers either past or present. However, I think their perspectives are incredibly important to not only recognize but to apply to everyday life. For those pursuing a master’s or Ph.D. in the field of Philosophy, I admire the desire and drive for a craft that is multifaceted and much more than objective equations. In my career field, it is important not to fall into the trap of groupthink, as falling into an intellectual monoculture often warps and tarnishes an intelligence product. I’ve always believed it’s important to have a balance in life, whether it be yin and yang or appreciating both the arts and the sciences. Everyone’s journey in philosophy is different and some may achieve their masters and pursue other paths or commit to the full Ph.D. and remain in academia. By helping those partake in a journey through their own philosophical discovery, I look forward to helping those every step of the way. By working as a Series Editor and communicating with graduate philosophy students, I look forward to working with all backgrounds and perspectives within a dynamic field.
Mark Corson
Mark Corson works as an Intelligence Analyst within the DMV Area focusing on alicious cyber actors, chaos theory, and quantum computing theory. He graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a degree in Aeronautics with a concentration in Atmospheric Physics. His interest in Philosophy, especially Eastern schools of thought such as Taoism and Buddhism, stemmed from philosophy classes from his senior year of college that proved to be his favorite courses throughout the 4 years. His hobbies include hiking, visiting old book stores, and collecting vinyl records.
