AC CP Dick Van Vector Philosophizes

Hello and welcome to the second of several articles highlighting interviews with some the AC Content Producers whom I find most intriguing. You'll hear from writers whom many of you already know well, like DrDevience and MarinDavid, as they talk about their lives and their writing.

You'll also hear from writers who may still be unknown to you, like Dick Van Vector and Jason Bauer, as they tell about their achievements and why they write for AC.

All in all, I think you'll find an engaging mix of seven very interesting AC CPs who have very good things to share about life and writing. Read on!!

Introduction to an Interview with Dick Van Vector

Dick Van Vector writes about almost all topics from golf to Kant to snoring with your mouth open and does so with a philosophical twist. A journalist and a philosopher, Dick chose to engage in advanced studies in philosophy.

Hear Dick Van Vector talk about his pursuits and his ideas on writing, such as establishing "a line of trust with the reader."

Dick is now a Ph.D. candidate who has been writing his dissertation over the summer having done his postgraduate work at the University of Stirling, located in Stirling, Scotland. [Links take you to some of Dick Van Vector's articles.]

Dick Van Vector Philosophizes

Codie: 1) What is your background and experience, including your previous association with writing?

Dick: As an undergraduate, I majored in journalism and philosophy, unsure as to which would be the more fruitful path to pursue. I made the decision, after a short hiatus, to pursue graduate studies in philosophy. My M.A. research was in the areas of metaphysics and epistemology, and my current Ph.D. research lies at the intersection of epistemology and value theory.

Codie: 2) Why do you choose to write for AC, particularly in light of motivations, goals and inspirations?

Dick: I write for AC primarily for two reasons. Firstly, I wanted to work on my dissertation this summer without the burden of getting an unenjoyable job. Secondly, I enjoy articulating my thoughts (and honing analytic and creative writing skills) on a variety of subjects outside of philosophy, including political, social and humorous issues.

Codie: 3) What benefit or reward, either personal or professional, do you derive from writing for AC?

Dick: Although I receive no professional benefits from writing on AC, it is personally rewarding to have my ideas read. Additionally, I try to write carefully and clearly so as to establish a line of trust with the reader.

Follow-up Discussion and Question:

Codie: First of all, IF I understand you--after refreshing my memory of definitions from Philosophy 101 and 102--in your undergraduate studies you examined the nature of reality particularly in regard to the relationship of fact and value in conjunction with the theory of the nature and origin of knowledge. Now, in your doctoral research you're examining being and knowing in relation to the views we hold that govern our practices, along with how these practices demonstrate our views of what is good in the realm of moral good. Therefore, your particular interest deals with how being and knowing intersects with our view of that which is good. Of course you'll let me know if I am anywhere EVEN CLOSE to understanding what your work is in....

Dick: Codie, thanks for your hard work on this, but unfortunately, your characterization of my research (albeit, an honorable attempt) doesn't hit the mark very closely. This is to be expected, though, as my research is rather specific.

Codie: That doesn't surprise me a bit as a definition does not a philosopher make! In relation to your writing on AC, you have a very steady and objective voice in your philosophical discussions that translates very nicely into a friendly and witty voice in your lighter writing. For instance, this lighter voice is audible in your articles about making your way around London or Sterling. My follow-up question pertains to how writing fits into your future plans. Do you expect to teach philosophy or write...or both, perhaps; and if you plan to write, is your expected audience primarily an academic one or do you plan to write philosophy for lay readers, such as myself?

Dick: My endeavour is to work as a professional philosopher in the capacity of a university professor. My primary research will be directed to a philosophical audience; however, I think it is important to also reach a wider audience. For this reason, I intend to write on the side to a lay demographic.

Codie: I and your readers, old and new, wish you the best success on your dissertation and look forward to philosophy for the lay reader. We expect you'll let us know when you are awarded your Ph. D. so that we can celebrate with you!