As a nominee of the ESJP you obviously study or studied Philosophy, but could you tell us something more about yourself and how your interest in Philosophy came to be?
That’s a good question, I also wonder about that. I suspect that I was looking for something to do in my life and that philosophy seemed like a good starting point.
What works or thinkers inspired you most in your development as a student in Philosophy?
Arthur Rimbaud, Charles Darwin, Burial, Francis Bacon, Zhu Yu, John Cage and Antonin Artaud.
Could you shortly introduce the topic of your paper and tell us why you wanted to write about this topic?
My essay is about Bergson’s criticism of Kant’s notion of time and the epistemology Bergson develops with that. I wanted to write about Bergson because his work wasn’t taught in the BA program of ESPhil and he seemed to have been influential. Now I’m still writing about him because I think there’s something to it.
The ESJP works with a double-blind peer-reviewed process that most academic journals also use, followed by an intensive editorial process in which you get feedback on your work. What did you take out of this experience?
I’m not sure how to express that without getting into much detail. The eyes of others are very valuable in seeing what you are doing. Reading is very different from writing.
Since your paper was first nominated by a teacher for our journal and then passed the double-blind peer-reviewed process, you have shown to be able to write a noteworthy and qualitative philosophical paper. What is your secret?
I don’t have a secret but I do have advice. Just have fun with it. Find something that excites you and the necessary hours will follow. Also listen to yourself. Take a break for a few days when needed. It helps your process and most importantly your well-being.
You are still a student (or you just graduated) and already have a first publication, what’s next? What are your plans for the future?
I am currently doing my Master's at KU Leuven. After that I will be taking an academic sabbatical. If I want to be a philosopher I need to stop doing philosophy. At least for a while. Maybe I’ll get a hobby.