Up@dawn 2.0

Monday, January 18, 2016

Introductions

Let's introduce ourselves, Spring 2016 CoPhilosophy collaborators. (I'll tell you in class why I call my version of the Intro course "CoPhilosophy." But maybe you can guess, from the William James quote in the masthead.)

I invite you all to hit "comment" and reply with your own introductions, and (bearing in mind that this is an open site) your answers to two basic questions: Who are you? Why are you here? (in this course, on this campus, in this state, on this planet...)

Our first class meeting will consist mainly of introductions and a heads-up that this is an unconventional course in ways I hope you'll find delightful, instructive, and rewarding. If you don't like to move, breathe, and converse in the open air on "nice" days, this may not be the course for you. But if you don't especially like the conventional lecture-style academic model in which I talk and you scribble silently in your seats, it may be just what you're looking for.

We'll not go over the syllabus or get bogged down in the nuts and bolts of course mechanics on Day #1, there's plenty of time for those details later. But do peruse the blogsite and syllabus (linked in the right margin) before next class and let me know what's unclear. Meanwhile, read your classmates' intros and post your own.

I'm Dr. Oliver, aka (despite my best efforts to discourage it) "Dr. Phil." I live in Nashville with my wife, Younger Daughter, a dog (Angel) and a cat (Zeus). Older Daughter is a film student in another state.

My office is in James Union Building 300. Office hours are Mondays thru Thursdays from 11:15 am to 12:45 pm, & by appointment. On nice days office hours will probably be outside in front of the library (in the "Confucius" alcove, if it's available.) I answer emails during office hours, but not on weekends. Surest way to get a quick response:come in or call during office hours.

I've been at MTSU since the early '00s, teaching philosophy courses on diverse subjects including atheism, childhood, happiness, the environment, the future, and bioethics.

My Ph.D. is from Vanderbilt. I'm originally from Missouri, near St. Louis. I was indoctrinated as a Cardinals fan in early childhood, so I understand something about religious zeal. My undergrad degree is from Mizzou, in Columbia MO. (I wish my schools weren't in the SEC-I don't approve of major collegiate sports culture or football brain injuries, as I'm sure to tell you again.)

My philosophical expertise, such as it is, centers on the American philosophical tradition of William James and John Dewey. A former student once asked me to respond to aquestionnaire, if you're curious you can learn more about me there.

What you most need to know about me, though, is that I'm a peripatetic and will encourage you all to join me in that philosophical lifestyle as often as possible during discussion time. (If you're not sure what peripatetic means, scan the right sidebar or read the syllabus or ask me. Or look it up.)

I post my thoughts regularly to my blogs Up@dawn and Delight Springs, among others, and to Twitter (@osopher), and am continuing to experiment with podcasting as a classroom tool this semester. Follow me if you want to.

But of course, as Brian Cohen said, you don't have to follow anyone. (Extra credit if you get that reference... and real extra credit if you realize that my "extra credit" is usually rhetorical.) However, if a blog or podcast link turns up with the daily quiz (which will always be posted on this site no later than the night before class), you might find it helpful to read or listen.

Enough about me. Who are you? (Where are you from, where have you been, what do you like, who do you want to become,...?) Why are you here? (On Earth, in Tennessee, at MTSU, in philosophy class)? Hit "comments" below and post your introduction, then read your classmates'... and bear in mind that this is an open site. The world can read it. (The world's probably busy with other stuff, of course - Kardashians and cooking shows and other examples of what passes for "reality" these days.)

Please include your section number in your reply, and in all future posts on this site:

  • 4,  TR 09:40 – 11:05 BAS-S316
  • 6, TR 1:00 – 2:25 BAS-S279

68 comments:

  1. My name is Akmal Ishmetov but i usually go by Alex. I am in your section 4 class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I am from Moscow, Russia originally, i moved to United States in 2010. I finished high school in Hendersonville TN, and then i decided to attend MTSU because my stepdad graduated for this school and he loved the atmosphere and education in there. I had an idea want to do when i came to U.S but i was not sure. Since I was a little kid i wanted to help people but there many professions out there like that. I shadowed several doctors and i had an amazing experience with them and after that i decided that i want to go to medical school and become a doctor. I'm currently major in biochemistry and my concentration is pre-med. The reason why i choose this particular class is because i found it very interesting and i thought it would be a good class for my major. I am very excited for this class and looking forward for this semester.

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  2. I am Brock Francis in section 6. I am a sophomore finance student from Woodbury, TN. After living in Atlanta, GA for a year and a half, I now reside here in Murfreesboro. When viewing the question of "Why am I here," I can think of a few answers to different angles of it. I am in this class because it is a general education requirement, and let's be honest, philosophy sounds better than theater. I am at MTSU because it is near my hometown and my mother works for the university. Finally, my religious beliefs lead me to believe I am on this planet for the purpose of living out the intentions of my higher power, whatever those intentions may be.

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  3. I am James Huffnagle in Section 6. I am a Freshman studying Audio Production, and I am from Franklin Lakes, NJ. Along with my studies in the technical aspect of music, I am also a musician. I am here at MTSU for the betterment of myself. Not only will college educate me in many ways, but the experiences here will also allow me to grow physically and emotionally as a person. I am also here because of the major I am pursuing. What better place to be around so I can make it in the music industry than Music City right? Specifically, I am in this class partially because of the requirement, but mostly because I am interested in understanding other methods and processes of thought. I've lived in New Jersey my whole life, and want to learn how others think and why they do so. I value perspective very highly.

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  4. Ashley Haydon6:06 PM CST

    I am Ashley Haydon attending section 4. I am from Murfreesboro, but I attended a private Christian school in Smyrna. Starting at MTSU in 2014, I came in as a music education major. As I went through the degree program I began to realize that it was not the major for me. After much thought and prayer, I have decided to switch my major to special education. I have grown up around people with special needs and feel that my calling in life is to serve those with special needs.

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  5. My name is Stephen Martin in Section 4.
    I was born, raised, and currently live in Franklin, TN. It is my home and I never really want to leave. That being said, I do love to Travel. I have spent nearly two years in parts of Central America, primarily Guatemala, and love meeting new people from different cultures, talking with them, and learning about them. Everyone has a story, it deserves to be heard, and I will gladly be the one to listen.
    I am a Massage Therapist and am currently studying Pre-Nursing. Having worked in Alternative Healthcare for the past several years I have come to love helping others manage their pain level and general wellbeing. To watch a person change from an attitude of defeatism in their immobility, to wonder as it starts to alleviate, to determination as we work to keep up their health. This is what drives me and why I believe I am here on this earth. To help others rise into a better/healthier/happier state of being. I hope to be able to take my passion to a new level as a Nurse.

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  6. My name is Amy Young in section 4.
    I grew up and currently live in Woodbury, TN. I moved to Michigan right after graduation to attend college, but I moved back two months later. So MTSU was not my first choice, but I am happy to be attending this university. I am at MTSU because it is close enough for me to commute from home. I am a Psychology major. I want to go into either clinical or criminal psychology. I am in this class because of the requirement and appeal over the other course options.

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  7. My name is Adam Martin in section 4.
    I was born in the Nashville area, moved to Huntsville when I was five, and moved to Hendersonville when I was 13. I'm a sophomore studying Film and Video Production. I am at MTSU because it is the best school for Mass Communications that I can afford.

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  8. I am Saydi Miller in section 6. I am originally from Flushing, Michigan but I currently reside in Nashville. I am taking Philosophy primarily because I wanted to get some sort of feedback on how others interpret the world, themselves, etc. Just out of curiosity I suppose.

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  9. Anonymous10:41 PM CST

    My name is Sophie Raffo from Section 6. Because my name means wisdom and is part of the word Philosophy,Some part of me is a great philosopher, I hope. I am a free spirit--any kind of art speaks to me. I love painting, photography, and singing. If I could, I would cover every square inch of my room with pictures (I almost have...). I have always loved that feeling of immense adrenaline that accompanies the blow of the whistle for a soccer match. I guess for me, it is all about the insane desire to live my life to the fullest. I know more than anything that I'm suppose to share that philosophy with people and heal them so they can continue to live life. I am pursuing a career in the medical field as a Radiologist, and I will be majoring in Biochemistry with Pre-med influence. I am a artist, a singer, a photographer, an athlete, a healer, and (hopefully) a philo"sophie"er.

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  10. My name is Alexis Patrykus but everyone calls me Alley. I'm in the section 4 class because I needed another general education class. When I first came to MTSU, my major was in pre law. After taking a few political science classes I realized that learning about the government and studying how countries work together is incredible! I then changed my major to international relations and couldn't be more sure of my decision. I know exactly what I want and why I'm here. I want to be an international lawyer and work for the government, and I am here to positively influence those around me.

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  11. Nick Corley - Section 6

    Who am I?: As of right now I am only 0.00000000013521% of the human population, but I am still an individual. If you wanted to truly understand who I am you would have to be me.

    Why am I here?: There are an uncountable number of answers for this question. I could say because there was life before me or it just happened through a series of complex chain reactions. However I think the best answer is that I am here purely by chance.

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    1. I am Emily Blalock in section 4.
      I am a freshman from Chattanooga. I don't have a major yet, but MTSU is a great place to see what some of my options are. I am taking this class because I thought that it looked interesting.

      Delete
  12. Hello my name is Katie Perry. No, I'm not lying. I'm in this section 4 philosophy class because I needed it for my gen ed. However, I'm really excited about it because I've never taking a philosophy class before and I think it will be very interesting. I'm a biology major in hopes of becoming a physical therapist. My dream would be to work for the IMB (international mission board) so I could travel the world, help people, and to bring others closer to Christ. I'm a Christian, so I believe my purpose is just that - to bring others to God.

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  13. My name is James Skylar Dean, and I go by Skylar. I am in the 4th section of this class. Who am I? I can honestly say that I have never looked at that question head on, but here it goes... I was born in Little Rock, AR. My father was in the Air Force and I have moved 8 times in my 19 years. I have seen a pretty good amount of the eastern United states. I have subconsciously thought of myself under many different identities: a basketball player, a weight lifter, and most recently a premed student. It has taken a lot of stumbling to realize that none of these identities actually bring me the maximum joy and satisfaction. I am, in my deepest being, longing for the maximum freedom and happiness I can find. For me, the answer that fulfilled all of my longing is God, specifically accessed through his son Jesus Christ. I understand that this a loaded answer, but it is my truth. I am here at MTSU because, like my friend Alex (also in this section), I love being able to help people and I am pursuing medical school for that end. Dealing with hurting people are often the most honest and real interactions you can experience, I will go to school for the opportunity to help people as a whole; not just their bodies. That answers some of the question.

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  15. Hey everyone I'm James Manni and I'm in section 6. I am junior transfer from Indiana state who is studying unmanned aircraft systems. I'm a pretty laid back guy, except when it comes to football. I'm a diehard Philadelphia Eagles fan (I'm originally from that area) and following the team is a big part of my life. I enjoy the outdoors a lot as well, and I also have my pilots license. The series of events that have led me to MTSU and this class have been vicarious. This time last year I wasn't sure what my future held, but I believe everything happens for a reason and somehow I found Middle Tennessee. I needed a change and MTSU felt like the right fit. So far everything and everyone have been awesome, as the fall semester was a big success. I took this class on a recommendation and I'm already enjoying it. I like knowing how other people think about life so this is going to be a really interesting learning opportunity

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  16. My name is Ian Law from section 4. I've been following a pre-med curriculum, but I'm more interested in medical research, especially neuroscience. I'm at college to get a better job and in this class because I believe it will contribute to a well-rounded education.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Ian, I'm Danni section 4, I'm also really interested in neuroscience. I think it's great to see that someone else has this interest, the field needs more people to unlock the secrets of the body most complex organ and to help treat severe nerve damage.

      Delete
  17. Hey I'm Randi Stanfill and in section 4. I am a freshman from Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. I am taking this for gen ed requirements and it seemed interesting. I am at MTSU so I could stay kind of close to home and most of friends went to UTC or TTU and I wanted to meet more people.

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  18. Hi everyone, I'm Karla Arias and I'm in section 4. I am 18 years old. I am from Nashville, Tn. I graduated from La Vergne High School. Now, I am a sophomore at MTSU. I use to play softball as a hobby. I love to travel, I have been to many different places, the most recent place I have been to was Boston. I want to keep traveling and go out of the country. I am taking this class because I need it for my Gen Ed classes but I am hoping to learn much from it. I am majoring in interior design. I am hoping to get my own tv show for interior design. That would be my dream.

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  19. Anonymous3:03 PM CST

    Hello! My name is Courtney Manns from section 6. I am a continuing student, so the reason why I'm in Philosophy is mainly to replace the failing grade I originally received when I dropped out in 2001. However, I will say that I do enjoy Philosophy and I look forward to expanding my thoughts in this course. I am a film major, but I enjoy writing stories. I would love to be a filmaker (fame is not important) and a screenwriter. I ultimately just want to be creative and do something I love.

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  20. My name is Amyna Cummings from section 4. I was born in Nashville, but spent a crucial part of my life in Honolulu, Hawaii. I returned to Tennessee in 2008, specifically Johnson City, and lived there until the beginning of this academic year. I am studying psychology in hopes of becoming a psychiatrist later in life. Though I am transferring to ETSU in the fall, I chose MTSU originally because I adored the campus and the university in general is so great and I saw that my very first visit.

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  21. Anonymous4:01 PM CST

    Hello all,
    My name is Ryan Horony. I am in section 6 of the intro to philosophy class. I am enrolled in the Mechatronics Engineering program here at MTSU. When posed with the question as to who I am, I was forced to ponder, for a time, the innumerable responses that could be given. The one that I think is most fitting to the current context would be that of a traveler. I have found myself traveling through various locations of the physical, spiritual, and philosophical nature. I have spent my entire adult life seeking new experiences and knowledge. I have sought a better understanding of the mysteries of the Universe. I am here to try to add more depth to my picture of the way things work. I am looking forward to this class and interacting with some of you. This comes as a surprise to me because I am the type of person who would rather live on a mountain, alone to my thoughts and free of the distractions of society. I prefer solitude to process my thoughts, but am looking forward to new information to add to my collection.

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  22. Hello my name is Ellisha Thomas. I'm in section 4 and I chose to take this philosophy class because I took one in high school and I thought it was really interesting. I was born in South Carolina until my sophomore year of high school I moved to the Tennessee with my family. I chose to attend MTSU because it was close to my family as well as the affordable choice of my schools.

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  23. Anonymous4:36 PM CST

    Hello everyone. My name is Matthew Bennett. I am in section 6 of intro to philosophy. I was born and raised here in TN and decided after leaving active duty in the Marine Corps to come back home to start school here. I decided to take this class because I have never had a philosophy class before and thought it would be worthwhile and very educational.

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  24. Cassie Franse - 65:55 PM CST

    Hey there! I'm Cassie Franse from Section 6. I'm from a small town in East Tennessee, but half of you wouldn't know where that is so I will just say Knoxville! Half of the time I am laughing or smiling and honestly, I can't help it. To answer the question who I am, I could just list off facts about myself such as my birthday or my age. But who I am changes everyday, each day is a different challenge or I learn something new and I like to think I grow from that. I have to be doing something constantly, and that's usually playing soccer, running, or whatever I let myself get dragged into. I like to make people smile and I love to talk. I want to teach History in a classroom, I honestly believe I can make a difference in someone's life and I have too much passion for one person; I have this need to share it. For right now, that's why I think I'm here. I'm not sure why I was chosen to live the life that I do, because I could easily just be someone else and not me. I'm in Philosophy class because I suffer from curiosity and I want to know what other people around me are thinking.

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  25. Erick Morgado6:07 PM CST

    Hello, my name is Erick Morgado. I am in Section 4 of the Philosophy 1030 class. I am a junior taking this course in an effort of clearing some Gen. Ed. requirements before graduation. I was born in California before moving over to Tennessee. As part of a small family tradition, I became encouraged to be fluent in both English and Spanish for trips across the country in effort to visit family. I am coming to MTSU to study in the Engineering Technology program for Computer Engineering. Out of the choices given for basic required courses, I was inclined towards philosophy. Hopefully, this slight interest will make this class enjoyable.

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  26. Hey everyone, My name is Luis Mejia from Section 4. I am from Franklin, TN and I am a freshman with a major in Computer Science. I came to MTSU mostly because my best friend decided to come here and it was the cheapest option for me. I'm here in this earth because I want to be a video game developer and I want to make video games that connect with people and I want to make them entertained and have fun.I decided to take Philosophy because i need a gen ed and It seemed interesting

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  27. Hey everyone, My name is Luis Mejia from Section 4. I am from Franklin, TN and I am a freshman with a major in Computer Science. I came to MTSU mostly because my best friend decided to come here and it was the cheapest option for me. I'm here in this earth because I want to be a video game developer and I want to make video games that connect with people and I want to make them entertained and have fun.I decided to take Philosophy because i need a gen ed and It seemed interesting

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  28. My name is Megan Loveless and I am in section 4. I am a freshman and audio production major from Centerville, TN. I am taking philosophy because it is a general education requirement and because I want to understand how people think and different outlooks on life. I am at MTSU because it has one of the best recording industry programs in the country and is affordable. I think here I can make the right connections and become successful in my future career.

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  29. Hello, my name is Danielle Bonner (Danni for short) section 4. I am a second semester Freshman studying biology in hopes to attend medical school. I am an army brat most recently from Clarksville, where I attended Fort Campbell High School. I am at MTSU because I was unable to attend the school that I was hoping to attend because I could not afford to go, despite the generous scholarship I was awarded, and had to apply late for an in-state school. I'm in philosophy because its a required general education course, but I do look forward to the course material.

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    1. Danni Bonner #4
      I'm realizing now that this sounds very negative, and I try very hard not to be a negative person, although that happens. I am in college to go to medical school in order to pursue the medical field of neurology. The human brain fascinates me and I have up close knowledge of how irreversible nerve damage can negatively affect one's life, I want to work toward treating nerve damage and other neurological diseases, especially those that are life threatening and cause mental deterioration to help raise the quality of life for many people. That is why I am here, in college and I think that is the reason I am on this planet too, to help other people. Although I was not thrilled to attend MTSU, I am having a great time here; and regardless of the reason that I am enrolled in this class, I will give it my all and put as much effort into it as I do all of my classes, because I love to learn, no matter what the subject material is.

      Delete
    2. Cassie Franse 612:03 AM CST

      I liked both, but you're not in my section and I wish you were now after reading that second paragraph. The ending was awesome. I just want to give props!

      Delete
  30. My name is Robert Miller in section 6. I am a freshman going for a bachelor's in Business Administration. I've lived in Murfreesboro my whole life. I decided to take this class because it sounded like it would teach me about something that is almost entirely foreign to me.

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  31. (#6) My name is Chad Andrews. I am originally from right outside of Knoxville, fifteen minutes away from the Smokey Mountains, and am currently a freshman majoring in flight dispatch. I am at MTSU to obtain my bachelors degree and put my degree to use as an officer in the United States Air Force. I believe this course will enlighten me and allow me to see things from a different perspective.

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  32. (#6) My name is Kellie Whitaker. I am a junior and I study music industry. I am at MTSU because it was one of the best music schools in America and I wanted to also study with the bassoon professor seeing as he is one of the best. I am in this class because it seemed to be an interesting class and I would rather take a gen ed that I find interesting than to just take a class for a grade and I also love the idea of seeing how others view the world around them.

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  33. Hey guys, my name is Roland Phan, and I am in section 4. I'm a Sophomore going into my second semester at MTSU because this time last year I was at UTK. I'm here at MT because I just couldn't justify going to Knoxville with the amount I was being forced to pay. Reading over the comments, this seems to be the general reason why most are here at MT. As for this course, it was a required class but also my best option out of the few that were given to me for my Computer Information Systems Major.

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  34. My name is Anthony Hutchings, and I am in section 4. This is my second year at MTSU, and I took this class because I have yet to pick a major, and I needed a class to fill up my schedule. I had friends taking the class so I signed up as well.

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  35. My name is Lucas Futrell I am in your section 6 class. I’m originally from Memphis, TN. I am currently a student, husband, and I’ll be a father come mid February. I am here, in college, mostly because of my time in the Marine Corps and the GI Bill. I am also here because I genuinely like school. I enjoy the challenge it provides, and the opportunities and doors it opens for my future. I am taking this class because I needed the general education class, and also because it seems like an interesting course.

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  36. Sterling Smith8:09 PM CST

    Hello everyone, my name is Sterling Smith, and I am in section 6 of Intro to Philosophy. I am from Shelbyville, Tennessee, and this is my second semester here at MTSU, and before this year, I attended Washington and Lee University in Virginia. I decided to transfer back home to be closer to family and have thoroughly enjoyed my time at MTSU. I look forward to this class and hope to gain a better understanding of Philosophy and all that it encompasses.

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  37. I'm Caleb Morton. I'm in section 6 of your philosophy class. Who I am isn't terribly important when seen in the larger scope of things. I guess I'm in this class by chance. I could have easily ended up somewhere completely different.

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  38. Dina Assad9:10 PM CST

    I am Dina Assad and I'm in section 6 of your philosophy class. I was born in Egypt and moved to the United States when I was six. This is my second semester in MTSU. I took this class because I love to learn more about philosophy. Taking this course will help me in the future and I can't wait to learn different things in this class!

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  39. My name is Jonathan Murray and I am from section 4. I was born and raised here in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. I am a history major and hope to one day become a professor of history. I have decided to take philosophy because philosophic ideas and discussions have always interested me and I hope to broaden my knowledge of philosophers and their ideas with this class.

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  40. Anonymous10:05 PM CST

    I am Khylan Walker, and I am in section 4 of your Philosophy class. I am from a small town in West Tennessee called Selmer, and I am a sophomore. MTSU has been my school of choice since I was child. I feel as if I am "down to earth" kind of guy, and I chose to take this Philosophy class because I am very open-minded, and I love to learn how the mind works.

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  41. My name is Lace Wilson. I am from section six. I normally just tell people I am from Memphis but I am actually from a small town right outside of it. I am a freshman here and my major is currently undecided. I chose MTSU because it seemed like Memphis and Nashville combined, city wise that is. I chose to take this course because its a general requirement and I have always been interested in philosophy.

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  43. I'm Cameron Hix from section 4. I'm from Shelbyville, TN, and I'm currently a biology major. I'm taking this course because, along with astronomy, it's one of my favorite subjects, and I'm considering changing my major. I love having philosophical conversations with others and gaining wisdom by doing so, as well as encouraging others to do the same by thinking for themselves and not being afraid to question anything. Sam Harris, Neil D. Tyson, Stephen Hawking, and Richard Dawkins are a few of my favorite modern thinkers.

    I'm here (on Earth) to perpetuate life, but I don't know why there is life and why/how it acquired the drive to perpetuate. I look forward to discussing questions like these and any others in this class.

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  44. Anonymous10:39 PM CST

    My name is Brian Sally. I'm in section 4. I was born Colvis, New Mexico but I moved here, Murfreesboro, when I was two. I am majoring in animal science in the hopes to become a veterinarian. I have always had a passion for animals since I was a child so one could say it's a childhood dream of mine to become a vet. I am here in philosophy because I'm interested in "big picture" questions. I'm interested in learning about other people's views on such subjects.

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  45. Hello everyone, my name is Emmanuela Okot and I am from Houston Tx. I am a junior and am currently pursuing a degree in biology. I hope to one day be able to use my degree and go back to my parents home country of South Sudan and help build it back up.
    To answer why I am here, I think I am here at MTSU to better myself as a person and to be more knowledgeable in things that I am interested in.

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  46. Anonymous11:25 PM CST

    My name is Ad'lynn Carroll, but I go by Addie. I'm from section 6. I'm in this class to try and understand how other people think. I believe that being able to understand the ways that other people's minds work is very important to leading a fulfilling life. I could try to explain why I'm here on earth, but honestly I'm not sure if anyone has an answer for that.

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  47. Ramzey S.11:34 PM CST

    My name is Ramzey Sidani Section 6. I am from Brentwood, TN. Currently this is my last semester at MTSU as I will be graduating in May. I am a psychology major with a minor in both chemistry and biology. My dream is to have a Ph. D in Psychology most likely leading into counseling. The best answer that I have for why I am here has to be because I chose to be here. I wanted to come to MTSU for a primary reason of getting my undergraduate degree it was my singular chose and no one elses. I chose to live here and work for what I wanted. In terms of why I am on this earth, I only see myself as someone who helps others. Preferably why I chose psychology and with the hope of falling into a graduate degree of counseling.

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  48. My name is Tanner Davis. I am a social work major because I want to counsel people one day or teach. I also want to write books on the side. I am from Hermitage and a Sophomore. I also am involved in several fraternities on campus including relay for life, tennis club, rfc, and phi kappa tau. I am interested in taking this class because I have always been interested in philosophy and understanding other viewpoints.

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  49. Anonymous12:34 AM CST

    My name is Sean Byars and I am a Business Administration major currently in my sophomore year. I am from Hendersonville and work full time at Walmart as a supervisor over the backroom. As to why I'm here, I need a humanities course and I am not artistically inclined. In addition, philosophy has always been an interesting topic to me, so the choice was clear.

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous12:36 AM CST

      P.S.
      I am from section 6
      Sean Byars

      Delete
  50. Katharine Khaoone12:50 AM CST

    Hello everyone! My name is Katharine Khaoone, and I am a sophomore here majoring in Business Administration. As for my career, I hope to work in the marketing and advertising field and perhaps even own my own business. I was born in Florida but have grown up in middle TN for the majority of my life. A few passions of mine include fitness, music, and fashion. I also love traveling although I have yet to travel outside of the country. I was in Army JROTC all throughout high school and am still questioning if I would still like a career in the military. I chose this class because it was one of the main courses that peaked my interest in this Gen Ed category.

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  51. Hi! My name is Janeka and I am a sophomore here majoring in Social work. I plan to work with the elderly once Im done with grad school.I plan to have my own non profit agency one day dealing with social work. I took this course because its in sync with the rest of my courses this semester.

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  52. Hello! I'm Ashley Lavoie. I'm in section 4 on Tuesday's and Thursday's. I am from Coventry, Rhode Island which is a small town (well, large for RI) about 1,000 miles from here. I major in Elementary Education and hope to one day teach either first or third grade. I came to MTSU mostly for the elementary education program because of its immersion into schools and the program starting the students freshman year. In the north, you can't even get into the elementary ed. program until your junior year and you don't get to observe until much later. Also, I am here for the hospitality. It's amazing how nice people are here. I've lived in Rhode Island all of my life and I barely ever see strangers smile. Here, people smile all the time. I love that. I believe I'm on earth to do that exact thing, make people smile. I also believe I'm here to make a difference and invest time in meaningful relationships that better both the people around me and my experience's in life. Our lives can only be as meaningful as we make them.

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  53. Frank Dremel7:52 AM CST

    Hi! My name is Frank Dremel. I am from Albany, Georgia and am studying music industry and jazz studies as a sophomore. I have always had an interest in philosophy, and I'm glad I'll have a chance to learn more about it this semester. It will be a great way to open my mind and learn more about those around me! -Section 6

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  54. David C.9:06 AM CST

    My name is David Crosslin from section four, I'm a classical guitar performance major. Music is what I'm best at so that's what I decided to center my career around. I want to make money playing, teaching, and writing music, very simple. I came to MTSU with the intent of auditioning into the saxophone studio to become a band director in the public schools but then discovered classical guitar was a whole thing unto itself, I already played fingerstyle guitar so I auditioned into that studio instead. I always wanted to learn more about too many things, hence I'm taking this philosophy course as a senior. Yeah it's a requirement, but philosophy as a means by which the forces of the world and people base their actions is interesting to me.

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  55. Anonymous10:55 AM CST

    Hello everyone. My name is Devin Mahoney (6). I am transfer student originally from Florida. I attended UCF in Orlando for two years but moved to California for a business and life opportunity. I did not pursue finishing my degree while I lived in Los Angeles. After 5 years in California my girlfriend and I decided it was time for a change again. We were both offered new career opportunities and decided to move to the greater Nashville area. I am full time student here at MTSU and work a full time job as a Geek Squad Manager. I am taking this course for multiple reasons. One, I need to makeup a credit that did not transfer from UCF. But mostly I am interested in how this course and it's content will be able to help me in my studies as a Public Relations and Marketing Major.

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  57. Discussion Group: Ian Law, Akmal Ishmetov, J. Skylar Dean (section 4)

    We talked about our personal philosophical beliefs and philosophical issues we found interesting. Issues we thought interesting: God, morals, free will, past experiences, and death.

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  58. My name is Cortney Johnson. I'm in section 6 of this course. I'm from Cookeville, Tennessee. I chose to attend MTSU, because it was the only university in middle Tennessee to offer the courses I wanted to take. I'm a senior here, hopefully this is my last semester. I graduated high school in 2006, so I am a smidge older than the traditional students here. Just a smidge :) I entered the United States Army in 2009, and that has taken me all over the world. I've been to Ireland, Germany, Kuwait, Kyrzegstan, and Afghanistan. I enjoyed my time in the military, and learned a lot about the world and myself. I decided to take philosophy, not only cause I need the humanities credit, but because I'm interested in learning about others way of thinking. I'm open-minded and ready to learn!

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  59. Section 6 - Saydi Miller, Ryan Horony, Matthew Bennett discussed our definition of Philosophy. Ryan and Matthew had similar outlook on the topic. Myself (Saydi) isn't quite certain on my philosophy.

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  60. Ethan Pearson11:48 AM CST

    Ethan Pearson from section 4
    http://youtu.be/U8NNHmV3QPw

    This is why I enrolled in this course

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  61. Hey my name is Logan White, I am in section 4.I am form Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA. I live in Nashville and am pursuing a career in Music Business. I am taking this class because I though that it would be a great way to broaden my horizons and try something new. I love the idea that everyone has their own philosophy in life and I firmly believe that you can learn something great from everyone.

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  62. Beshoy Aziz6:23 PM CST

    Hello everyone, my name is Beshoy Aziz from section six. I guess i am a little bit late in introducing myself , but that's because i just signed up for the class. I am a biology major, and i am trying to do something in the medical field when i graduate. I chose this class for two reasons: the fist one is because i need it for my major, and the second one is because i have always want to learn more about about philosophy. I have a lot of favorite philosophers such as Aristotle, Plato, and John Locke, and i really want to know more about their life.

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