Tyler Branston is the president of UFV’s Philosophy Association. The association’s goal is to inspire student’s discussion, education, and passion for philosophy. They meet weekly for study and reading groups and monthly for general meetings. The Cascade reached out to Branston by email to learn more.
What are the benefits students can receive by joining?
Some of what we study in the philosophy classroom is difficult and daunting. Reading [Friedrich] Nietzsche on your own can be hard and intimidating and reading him for a class can be quick and a lot can be missed. In our reading groups, we go at our own pace and talk about it as we go. I think it’s fair to say everyone who has attended these reading groups has had a lot of fun reading Nietzsche.
Studying logic is a degree requirement for philosophy majors at UFV, and it doesn’t come easy to many of us. Having a formalized study group gives us the opportunity to work through problems as a group. I personally have been attending the study groups and I feel it has really helped me with PHIL 300.
We as an association are working to make sure those who want to go to grad school or do the honours program in the upcoming semester know what is required. We hosted an event recently in conjunction with the philosophy department to give us more information and help guide us through these big tasks.
Having an association brings in the possibility of getting speakers to come to UFV, and members of the association can have a say in who comes in to speak. Is there a speaker you want to come present at UFV? Let’s talk about it and see what we can do.
What type of students can join this association?
The previous philosophy group at UFV was called the Philosophy Students Association of UFV. When we created this association we did not want to imply that our association is limited to just philosophy students. Philosophy and theory are within and underlie many different disciplines, and we believe students in any discipline could benefit from what we’re doing with this association. Our executive team is filled with people who are involved in multiple disciplines including, but not limited to, sociology, psychology, English, and criminology. Our goal is to have an association that’s open to people from every discipline.
Want to discuss philosophy in general? Maybe want to flesh out what’s been taught in class or what’s missing? Want to read through a work that you won’t encounter in class, or get ahead on writing or reading for a class? Want help with paper prep for undergrad conferences or journals? Want to know about local events to do with philosophy? We can help with all of this, either directly or indirectly.
What made you want to be the president of the association?
I’ve been studying philosophy for nearly five years, and most of it has been in the classroom. I have always found discussing ideas with others outside of class helps ground ideas. I wanted to put on events to encourage and help students and to give us the opportunity to engage with philosophy without the dread of having to do it for a class.
Despite the bureaucratic hurdles, this association has been a passion project for me. Through the association, I’m hoping that students can engage and enjoy philosophy outside of class and that students can see that philosophy can be wholesome and enjoyable … and can actually be fun.
I like to say that philosophy isn’t just old white guys ranting about boring stuff, but a rich, fun, and exciting discourse on life, reality, science, aesthetics, and so much more.
When and what is your next meeting/event?
Our next regular event is our Nietzsche reading group on Wednesday, Nov.13 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., in room B121. This reading group is designed to be open to everyone. No previous reading is required; we even have two extra copies [of the book] to use for those who don’t have a copy.
Check out the Philosophy Association online through their Facebook or Instagram page (@philufv) or check out their upcoming events on My Campus Life.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
