Jasmine Tremblay D’Ettorre is a Ph.D. scholar within the College of Toronto’s Division of Philosophy. She is involved in ethical and political philosophy, with a give attention to matters on the intersections of environmental ethics, social justice, aesthetics, and feminist epistemology.
What excites you about philosophy?
Philosophy has at all times felt like a artistic endeavor. To me, philosophy is finest described as a craft, and I usually envisage my very own philosophical work as a metaphorical patchwork-quilting venture. I discover that good philosophy requires many issues {that a} quilting exercise does: stitching and repurposing outdated supplies into one thing new (however acquainted), which might be fragmented (however unified), and creatively expressive. It additionally requires ability cultivation that’s reflexive, concentrated, and spontaneous! Endeavor this exercise, and recognizing it in others’ work, excites me most about philosophy.
What are you engaged on proper now?
I lately completed my MA on the College of Toronto, and I’m primarily taking a while to relaxation earlier than faculty picks again up within the fall. In any other case, I’ve been brainstorming concepts associated to my potential dissertation. I’m involved in how non-ideal theories of justice (significantly within the feasibility literature) can foster relational qualities for collective acts of justice, just like the mitigation of local weather change risks. I’ve additionally been researching matters in feminist epistemology and aesthetics; significantly regarding how the aesthetics and material-social relations of areas can perpetuate or forestall structural and interpersonal harms associated to epistemic injustice.
Which books have modified your life? In what methods?
Three books come to thoughts: The Sovereignty of Good by Iris Murdoch, Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut, and The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster. I learn The Sovereignty of Good in my first yr of undergraduate. It was the primary ebook I learn in an instructional context that obtained me actually enthusiastic about philosophy. Specifically, Murdoch’s notes on ‘unselfing,’ aesthetic appreciation, and the cultivation of ethical consideration profoundly resonated with me. Her work is one thing that I’ve constantly re-visited ever since. Cat’s Cradle is one in every of my favourite books and altered my perspective on the craft of writing in some ways. Vonnegut’s means to mix satire and earnestness into political critique has been an incredible affect alone work and fostered an incredible appreciation for humor in each prose and educational literature. The Phantom Tollbooth was my favourite ebook as a toddler! It was a ebook that helped to domesticate my philosophical sensibilities from a younger age. In some ways, the ebook itself is a magical tour into the realm of philosophy! I lately completed a venture on the utopian operate of fairy tales—particularly Novalis’ Heinrich Von Ofterdignen—the place I take into account the style as a web site for mythopoetic thought and illustrative imaginations for human risk. Looking back, I see many similarities between The Phantom Tollbooth and Heinrich Von Ofterdingen on these matters. The previous is definitely subsequent on my re-read listing!
What would your childhood self say if somebody instructed you that you’d develop as much as be a thinker?
In some ways, I don’t assume I’d be stunned! Literature has at all times felt like an anchor in my life, and I needed to be a author from a younger age. I’m completely satisfied to say that I used to be raised by dad and mom who inspired me to domesticate a love and curiosity for studying and artistic expression. My father was an avid collector of books, and a few of my fondest childhood reminiscences consisted of exploring our house library: selecting out philosophy, poetry, science fiction, and fantasy books for him to learn to me (earlier than I may learn them myself). I bear in mind being instructed that each ebook was a possibility for a brand new journey, even in case you didn’t fairly perceive it the primary time round. I attempt to take that recommendation into my work now.
The place is your favourite place you’ve got ever traveled and why?
My favourite place I’ve ever traveled to—and lived in—is Sackville, New Brunswick. I had at all times lived in massive cities. Once I moved to Sackville, I shortly gained a brand new appreciation for nature, quiet contemplation, and the endearing qualities of small-community residing. I spent my undergraduate years in Sackville, which is a small city of roughly 5,000 individuals on the border of Nova Scotia. Throughout the faculty yr, I spent most days finding out on the bakery, which is managed by my good pal and outdated roommate. I at all times considered it as my second front room. The city is gorgeous in the summertime, and I spent many days biking all the way down to the lake—with just a few stops to pet the animals at close by farms—for kayaking and swimming with my buddies. Enjoyable reality: the central space of the city solely has one set of streetlights, which Torontonians by no means consider once I inform them!
This part of the APA Weblog is designed to get to know our fellow philosophers slightly higher. We’re together with profiles of APA members that highlight what captures their curiosity not solely contained in the workplace, but in addition outdoors of it. We’d love so that you can be part of it, so please contact us by way of the interview nomination form here to appoint your self or a pal.
Alexis LaBar has a Grasp’s diploma in Philosophy from West Chester College of Pennsylvania. Earlier than attending West Chester, she graduated from Moravian College with a Bachelor’s in Philosophy, a minor in International Religions, and an Ethics certificates. She is the recipient of the 2022 Claghorn Award in Philosophy, awarded by West Chester College, and the 2021 Douglas Anderson Prize in Philosophy, awarded by Moravian College. She is the Editor of the Educating Beat and Work/Life Steadiness Beat.
