louie generis

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“Ought Experiment” To Return

So the other day, Justin sends me an email: “Hey Louie, do you remember how you used to write personalized advice columns for academics over at Daily Nous?”

“Dimly.” (more…)

How To ACTUALLY Work During Summer (Ought Experiment)

Welcome back to Ought Experiment! Today’s letter is from a graduate student that’s hoping to break the cycle of unproductive summers… you know, sometime later this summer: (more…)

How To Tell People You’re Leaving Academia (Ought Experiment)

Welcome back to Ought Experiment! Today’s letter is from a philosopher who’s decided to leave the profession after several years of trying to get a tenure-track job, and is wondering how to break the news to academic friends and mentors:

Dear Louie,

After spending several years in NTT positions and failing yet again to get a TT job, I have decided to leave aca..

Getting In Next Time (Ought Experiment)

Welcome back to Ought Experiment! Today’s letter comes from a student who just struck out on all their grad school applications, and wants to know what they can do to improve their chances next time:

Dear Louie,

I have well over a 4.0 GPA, and had great letters of recommendation from my professors. I also have published one paper in an undergrad journal. On to..

Reasons to Reject an Advisee (Ought Experiment)

Welcome back to Ought Experiment! This week, a professor wonders when it’s permissible to reject a grad student’s request to serve on their committee, and how to avoid crushing a student if one does end up having to say no:

Dear Louie,

I hope you don’t think me a monster for this, but I have reason to suspect that a graduate student I’d strongly prefer not to ..

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Philosophers (Ought Experiment)

Welcome back to Ought Experiment! This week’s question is from a grad student looking for advice on the habits that make one a better philosopher. After googling “how to be a better philosopher”, I’m prepared to fake my way through a half-decent answer:

Dear Louie,

I’m curious about what habits philosophers have cultivated that are specifically geared at being..

The Value and Pressure of Academic Closeness (Ought Experiment)

Welcome back to Ought Experiment, which returns after a brief waiting-for-more-emails hiatus! (Hint hint guilt trip hint.) This week’s question is from a woman wondering if the close friendships that many grads seem to have with their professors are necessary for professional success.

Dear Louie,

What kind of relationship should you foster with your professors..

When To Quit Academia (Ought Experiment)

Welcome back to Ought Experiment! Today’s question is from a full professor that has done everything right, built a successful career, and yet finds her/himself miserable in professional philosophy. S/he wants to know whether it’s just a case of burnout or whether it’s time to go:

Dear Louie,

Help.

I have been a professor for almost 20 years. I’ve worked h..