Meet Our Majors

Blake Nicholas
Max Malakoff
Gabriella Cohen

Blake Nicholas

Hometown: San Diego, CA
Major: philosophy, minor: politics

What was your motivation to major in philosophy?
From my first few philosophy courses, I discovered that philosophy as an academic discipline uniquely encourages people to expand their minds and explore ideas they might not encounter otherwise. I would say that taking the class Existentialist Philosophy with Prof. Robert Sanchez was the main catalyst in my decision to major in philosophy. Every time I left that class, I was speechless. The way that various arguments could reshape my perception of reality and challenge my entire outlook on life left a lasting impact on me.

The liberal arts approach has allowed me to explore a variety of subjects and figure out which ones truly ignite my passion. Philosophy has been a fantastic foundation because it teaches critical thinking and logical reasoning, which I can apply to almost any field.

Did you study abroad? How did it complement and/or enhance your education?
I studied abroad in Vienna, Austria. There, I took a cross-cultural philosophy course in conjunction with an advanced seminar philosophy course. Writing a research paper for the seminar class was a positive experience, especially since it has helped me prepare for my senior comps at Oxy. If you’re looking for an independent kind of pre-comps practice, I’d recommend considering Vienna as an option.

What are your ambitions post-Oxy and how has the liberal arts approach helped to shape these ambitions?
After graduation, I plan to pursue graduate studies in law, international relations, or security policy. The liberal arts approach has allowed me to explore a variety of subjects and figure out which ones truly ignite my passion. Philosophy, in particular, has been a fantastic foundation because it teaches critical thinking and logical reasoning, which I can apply to almost any field. It pairs especially well with more practical disciplines, helping me apply theoretical insights to real-world issues. Of course, if you’re passionate about the humanities, philosophy on its own is an enriching path, but its versatility is a true asset.

 

Max Malakoff

Hometown: Mercer Island, WA
Major: philosophy

What was your motivation to major in philosophy?

I took my first philosophy course during the spring semester of my sophomore year and declared my major in philosophy the same semester. Before that spring, I struggled to find an area of study that interested me. Over the winter break, prior to taking any philosophy classes, I read Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse and Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment. I am indebted to these texts; without them, I would not have enrolled in a philosophy course. 

Can you describe your working relationships with philosophy professors?

The philosophy professors are thoughtful, patient, and driven. Prof. Robert Sanchez, my academic adviser, has greatly influenced my academic interests in existentialist philosophy, theology, and other intellectuals rooted in the Continental tradition. Professors in the department vary greatly within the field of philosophy, and I think philosophy students will find one with whom they relate.

The philosophy professors are thoughtful, patient, and driven.

Do you have any advice for a student considering a major in philosophy?

If you are thinking about majoring in philosophy, sign up for a class that seems to pique your curiosity. While it often is serious and rigorous, philosophy informs my life in a way that can’t be articulated through language. Try it out!

 

Gabriella Cohen

Hometown: Geneva, Switzerland
Major: philosophy

What was your motivation to major in philosophy? Was there a specific inspirational moment or experience?
I had always enjoyed studying philosophy in high school, and took a 101 class here without expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. After taking this class in my freshman year, I knew exactly what my major was going to be.

What is the vibe of the philosophy department?
The vibe of this department is unlike any other. Philosophy as a discipline is the only one that asks the types of questions that no other discipline would, so to have individuals who are incredibly educated on such complex topics all in one department is incredible.

 

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