Keegan Brady is a student of mathematics and philosophy at UMass Lowell. He has interned under the mentorship of Dr. Alison McConwell, as well as at the American Philosophical Association. Brady has co-authored a poster presented at the 2024 New Orleans Philosophy of Science conference and is attending the University of Pittsburgh’s Philosophy of Science intensive week-long summer program of graduate seminars.
What excites you about philosophy?
I am most excited by the perplexity of it. Aristotle famously posited that our desire to learn arises from the sense of vision, which naturally leads to an amazement at the natural order of the cosmos, this sense of wonder inspires the philosophical attitude. I am no different from those ancient figures in a state of awe peering into the unity, and oftentimes, disorder of this world.
What are you working on right now?
I am currently working on finishing three publications in the works, one for submission in an undergraduate philosophical journal exploring the relationship between Hempel’s covering-law model within the philosophy of science and historical narratives. I have another co-authored paper with Dr. Alison McConwell exploring the relationship between celebrity status and science.
What is your favorite book of all time? (Or top 3). Why? To whom would you recommend them?
My top three books of all time are Aristotle’s Metaphysics, Hegel’s Phenomenology of Spirit, and Heidegger’s Being and Time. I admire Phenomenology and continental philosophy greatly, despite having most of my training within the realm of the analytic tradition.
What are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
I am currently reading Notes of Underground by Fyodor Dostoevsky. I would definitely recommend it for the exploration of philosophical themes within a literary context. I enjoy the paradoxical nature of the book, exploring the notions of rationality and irrationality as well as the complex subjects surrounding alienation, isolation, and freedom.
Who do you think is the most overrated/underrated philosopher?
I definitely think the most underrated philosopher is Simplicius. I find his commentaries on Aristotle especially illuminating, drawing a sort of synthesis between neoplatonic and peripatetic thought. Simplicius’ notion that Aristotle was a proponent of Platonic thought rather than an opponent or outspoken critique of it. The unique blend of the two I find to be specifically satisfying, adding a rational/inductive blend to mysticism. Simplicius helped continue the neoplatonic notion of a hierarchical structure of reality, it is highly theoretical but also spiritual in a way that really satisfies a certain craving of mine.
What time of day are you most productive and creative?
I am certainly most productive at night. There is something tranquil with the late twilight hours as well as the first few hours of the morning. I am certainly a night owl, and I always have been.
What 3 items would you take to a desert island other than food and water?
I would take Immanuel Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason, because of its breadth as well as intense depth, a record player, and The Beach Boys’ 1966 record Pet Sounds.
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.
Jessica Castellani
Jessica Castellani had a unique high school experience attending Toledo School for the Arts, where she played in a percussion ensemble and steel drum band for six years. She earned her dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Religious Studies from the University of Toledo. Her primary focus was ‘the Self’ and the mystical experience of losing it. She earned her Master of Art in Philosophy from the University of Toledo as well, with a specialization in Comparative Philosophy, Eastern Studies, and Continental Philosophy. She has taught World Religions and Introduction to Philosophy at The University of Toledo both in person and virtually. She is a member of the Buddhist Temple of Toledo, tutors students, and has worked in the service industry for over a decade. In her free time likes to spend time outside and with her pets, friends, and family.
