Adam Schipper on Navigating Academia and the Value of Philosophy

The journey into a chosen career path can be transformative, filled with challenges and opportunities. For many, this pivotal decision shapes their future and influences their personal growth. Adam Schipper, a part-time professor at Brandon University and a graduate of École secondaire Neelin High School, reflects on his experience in academia and the evolving landscape of education in a recent interview.

Schipper, who earned his PhD in Philosophy from Queens University in 2018, teaches Philosophy and English Literature online from his home in Montreal. His research focuses on the philosophy and politics of housework and domestic labour, exploring themes that resonate with contemporary societal dynamics.

Daily Life as a Philosophy Educator

Describing a typical day, Schipper shares that his mornings start with breakfast followed by online classes via Microsoft Teams. Balancing teaching responsibilities with research, he spends afternoons responding to student inquiries and working on journal articles. “It’s quite the balance I have to strike, and there’s a lot of self-discipline involved,” he notes, emphasizing the importance of motivation in academia.

Schipper highlights that while some projects are collaborative, much of his work is solitary. He recalls a recent collaboration with a hospice nurse on a paper that merges clinical nursing with philosophical theory. Despite the solitary nature of humanities research, he finds value in interdisciplinary work.

Challenges and Changes in Academia

Reflecting on his PhD experience, Schipper describes it as positive despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic. He adapted to the challenges, learning to pace himself during the lengthy process of thesis writing. “Doing a PhD and writing a thesis is not a sprint, it’s a marathon,” he explains.

Schipper acknowledges the current challenges facing academia, particularly funding cuts and an oversaturated job market. “Every year there are fewer jobs and more and more applicants,” he states. This reality has prompted some academics to transition to nonacademic fields, a choice Schipper considers himself as he seeks full-time opportunities.

The political and technological climate also affects education. Schipper expresses concern over students using tools like ChatGPT for assignments, which, while convenient, detracts from the learning experience. He advocates for a more profound engagement with education, stressing that the purpose of university should extend beyond obtaining a diploma.

“The ideal pursuit of education is to become well-rounded human beings,” he remarks, contrasting this with the current trend of viewing education primarily as a means to secure employment. Schipper encourages students to embrace the challenges of their studies, as these experiences foster personal growth.

As he navigates the complexities of teaching remotely, Schipper strives to establish connections with students. He employs strategies such as recording lectures and providing accessible resources to accommodate diverse student needs. His approach highlights the importance of fostering a supportive learning environment, especially in online formats.

Schipper believes that philosophy holds intrinsic value, urging students to engage with difficult questions that shape their understanding of the world. “Philosophy is a rigorous pursuit of truth,” he asserts. He advocates for introducing philosophy at earlier educational stages, suggesting that it could promote a more rational and empathetic society.

In conclusion, Adam Schipper’s journey through academia reflects both personal and professional evolution. He underscores the importance of caring for one another in an often harsh world, proposing that mutual understanding and support are vital for creating meaningful change. As he continues to navigate the complexities of his field, Schipper remains committed to inspiring his students and fostering a deeper appreciation for the study of philosophy.