Dan Sanderman, junior

From: Portland, Oregon

Exploring: Philosophy

How things start: I came here expecting to be an English major, but after spending a week on Plato in my Inventing America class (the precursor to Exploration & Discovery), I decided to take a course in philosophy. My paper on Socrates changed everything: My professor, Nicholas Smith, sat me down and told me that I should give philosophy a shot.

Rethinking Socrates: Socrates says that he listens only to reason, so most people think he’s not persuaded by emotions. Yet in dialogue he does use emotional tactics to persuade others. In a paper, I argued that this behavior can be explained only by accepting that Socrates does appreciate the influence of emotions. I addressed a contradiction that previously had been swept under the rug.

One thing leads to another: Nick encouraged me to submit my paper to the International Symposium of the Olympic Center for Philosophy and Culture. Mine was the only undergraduate paper accepted, and I presented it in Pyrgos, Greece, to an international professional audience. That paper has since been accepted for publication in the professional journal Skepsis, and I will present the latest version at the annual meeting of the American Philosophical Association.

The logical conclusion: If I had been at a large university, I might not have been noticed. The small community at Lewis & Clark encouraged me to develop one-on-one connections with my professors, which has made a huge impact on my education. My career path has been forged here. With Nick’s help, I’m applying to the best graduate schools and intend to become a professor of ancient Greek philosophy. I’m having such a wonderful time.

Meet more L&C students.