Philosophy in the Public Interest
The Department of Philosophy houses the project for Philosophy in the Public Interest, an enterprise devoted to highlighting the benefits that philosophical activity brings to matters of enduring interest to humans in their individual and communal lives.
The mission of Philosophy in the Public Interest is to create opportunities for philosophical reflection that lead to positive action in the communities of Northern Arizona.
"To be a philosopher is not merely to have subtle thoughts, nor even to found a school, but so to love wisdom as to live according to its dictates, a life of simplicity, independence, magnanimity, and trust. It is to solve some of the problems of life, not only theoretically, but practically."
Henry David Thoreau, Walden
The project supports existing activities such as the Philosophy Mentoring Program and Philosophical Dialogues complementing the Sedona International Film Festival, while developing and expanding those projects which seek to further cultivate the relationship between NAU and Northern Arizona. From supporting the public exhibition of student work within the philosophy of art to promoting sustainability through community outreach projects focused upon environmental ethics, Philosophy in the Public Interest is broad based but community centered.
For more information, please contact:
Andrea Houchard
Director, Philosophy in the Public Interest
e-mail: Andrea.Houchard@nau.edu
office: 928-523-7153
What They Are Saying about PPI:
"Anyone sitting in those theatres those evenings can attest to the fact that the post-film discussions with your team make the event much more than just a film — they become cultural “events” and significant educational and insightful opportunities to talk openly and spread the awareness of philosophy in our everyday lives." --Patrick Schweiss, Executive Director,
Sedona International Film Festival