The Philosophy of Daniel Quinn

Project #: 35
Name: Smith, Andrew (afs52@drexel.edu; 215-895-2434)
Department: English and Philosophy
Academic Area: Philosophy

Title: The Philosophy of Daniel Quinn

Description:
I am currently doing research in preparation to write a book on the thought of environmental novelist Daniel Quinn (author of "Ishmael," among other works). I'm hoping to work with a student (or two, if possible) who can assist me with the following four tasks: / 1. Organizing some 300 pages of notes on the basis of proposed chapter topics. This will involve (a) investigating Quinn's metaphysics (theory of the nature of reality); epistemology (theory of knowledge and belief); and moral, social, and political theories and (b) evaluating how they apply to practical questions associated with how we should understand ourselves. our place in the world, and how we ought to live our lives / 2. Analyzing Quinn's responses to reader questions at his website. / 3. Assessing Quinn's central claim that human wellbeing and environmental wellbeing are intimately related. / 4. Reading and discussing one particularly difficult short story by Quinn.

Associated Independent Study:
I ask the student to read "Ishmael" and at least one additional book by Quinn. Write a research paper analyzing and responding to any substantive claim that Quinn makes. You are welcome to assess a philosophical claim, a practical claim, or some combination of the two.

Gained Experience:
I see three core benefits that a student can gain from working with me on this project: / 1. If s/he has an interest in writing and publishing, s/he will gain insight into the process of organizing a book-length project and drawing up a book proposal that is submitted to publishing houses. / 2. Students interested in environmental studies and environmental justice, have the opportunity to gain a comprehensive view of Quinn's environmental philosophy, which can serve as a point of reference for addressing matters of environmental policy. / 3. Students interested the sciences (particularly in biology) can develop a fuller sense of the richness of the subject-matter they study and its applicability to the investigation of the connection between human and environmental wellbeing.

Outcome:
A book.

Tasks:
The project will involve both independent and collaborative work. Independently, but in ongoing consultation with me, s/he will categorize research notes according to their relevance to particular chapters. Collaboratively, we will read and discuss portions of Quinn's texts and his responses to other readers.

Location:
Collaborative work will take place at the University City campus.

Meetings:
Collaborative work will take place at the University City campus.

Interview Availability: March 5, March 6, March 7