Author: Huenemann

“On Nov.16, USU’s Philosophy Club, Effective Altruism Club, and ethics classes organized a walk-a-thon in support of the Malaria Consortium, a charity with a proven track record of making an actual impact through donations.

“It is important to try to encourage students to think about whether or not they want to live their lives differently in light of what they’re thinking about and learning,” said Mike Ashfield, assistant professor of philosophy, who called this a pilot project between classes and clubs that involved majors and non-majors.”

More here:

https://chass.usu.edu/liberalis/news/archive/fall-2023/ea-wat-phil

We are excited to announce that Northwestern’s Undergraduate Philosophy Society is hosting a conference in Evanston, IL, on May 3rd and 4th, 2024. The theme of the conference is applied ethics–how one might apply moral philosophy to a real-world problem? This conference offers a platform for undergraduate and graduate students to present their original philosophical work, and we encourage you to share this opportunity with students. The conference will additionally include a keynote speaker, and students will have the opportunity to network after the event.

IMPORTANT DETAILS:

Conference topic: Applied Ethics (this includes fields like bioethics, environmental ethics, animal ethics, and questions of social justice)

Conference date: May 3rd and 4th, 2024

Submission length/format: We accept papers of any length and format, so long as a proper citation style is used. It must be sent in PDF format. Content should be suitable for a 25-minute presentation.

Submission Deadline: January 31, 2024

How to Apply: Email papers that fit the above criteria to both andrewchin2025@u.northwestern.edu and clarydoyle2025@u.northwestern.edu and title your email “Philosophy Conference Submission”

Winners will be invited to speak about their papers at our conference and provided housing and meals during their stay in Evanston. We accept submissions from both undergraduates and graduate students.

This week will be a big week for the philosophy club. We are planning on having two events this week, the latter of which may be our biggest event yet.

First, we are planning to meet on Tuesday the 14th on Old Main 207 at 5PM, to talk about Effective Altruism and the upcoming walkathon. Our plan is to get everyone on the same page about how donations will work, and then we will have an informal critical discussion about effective altruism. I’d recommend everyone read this short, accessible article: https://1000wordphilosophy.com/2021/03/05/ethics-and-absolute-poverty/  The Effective Altruism club president, Bella Lonardo, will also be there if you have further questions. You should feel free to criticize the ideas if you want to– even if we are raising money and working with the EA club, the philosophy club is also about critical inquiry!

Second, we will have the walkathon from 3PM-6PM on the Quad on Thursday, the 16th. You should see us on the Northwest side of the Quad. We are raising funds for the charity you chose, the Malaria Consortium, an organization dedicated to fighting malaria, and our goal is $5,000. As of right now, we have already raised $606, and the deadline is the 25th.

If you can’t make it to Tuesday, here is what you need to know. 

How to participate:

1. Contact friends, family, acquaintances, classmates, anyone you think would be willing to donate to a cause to prevent malaria in developing countries

2. CLICK THIS LINK TO FIND A GOOGLE DOC OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS AND THE PLEDGE SHEET. Make a copy of it. Fill out each pledge on the sheet: sponsors can donate
   1. per lap around the Quad or 
   2. donate a set amount. 

3. Come to THE NORTHWEST SIDE OF THE QUAD THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH from 3-6 PM to check in, walk, socialize, and contribute to an amazing cause! RSVP HERE FOR FREE PIZZA! (You do not have to RSVP to participate, however)

4. How do sponsors donate?
   1. Go to the following website to send donations straight to Malaria Consortium by NOVEMBER 22nd https://www.givingwhatwecan.org/fundraisers/usu-student-club-walkathon

5. Questions?
   1. Contact effectivealtruismutahstate@gmail.com
   2. Attend the USU Philosophy Club Meeting on November 14th at 5PM in Old Main 207 where we will discuss the walk-a-thon and Effective Altruism

Be sure to click on the link on #2 to find the pledge sheet. It can also be found by scanning the QR code on the flyer attached below. If you would want pizza, please also RSVP on number #3. If you can’t participate but still want to donate directly, feel free to do so and click the link on #4.

Sorry for the big update! Hope to see you tomorrow, 

Jack Leonard

We are looking for students to serve as Undergraduate Teaching Fellows for Spring 2024. As a UTF, you help an instructor with a class, tutoring students, leading discussions, and helping out along the way. You are paid $750 for the semester. Preferences are given to philosophy majors and minors, but anyone is welcome to apply. Here is the link:

Philosophy UTF application

Applications are due by December 1.