Phenofun

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts, both supportive and opposing! And thank you Isothenia for the link you provided. The book Cooked by Pollan is one of five other sources. I should have clarified that my professor said I can use it as source, but that it won't be considered a philosophical source. I was also informed yesterday that this book combined with another non-philosophy source will only be counted as one source. He is also instructing us not to define the terms of the paper in the beginning of the paper because he thinks it's better to do that as you go. This also frustrates me because it contributes to the idea that he is not giving us the freedom or independence to develop an original paper reflective of our interests, passions, and writing styles. It feels as if we are instead being told to cater to his desires and personal preferences. Dumnamechange said "My recommendation is to just deflate whatever value you are for some reason attaching to these terms." I do not think I am attaching value to the term. Dumnamechange also said "Can you really not just accept that he's not a philosopher and incorporate his work in some other way?" Why should I accept it? My professor is not the ultimate guide for determining who is a philosopher and who isn't. Yes, I am going to have to incorporate his work as a non-philosophy source according to my professor, but that doesn't mean I can't question it. One quote that I really empathized with was from TheQuakerMan, who said: "If you are doing something philosophical with his work, are writing about a philosophical topic, and you probably are using many other philosophical resources, I don't see why it matters if Pollan is a philosopher or not to be used as a source, especially if it influences your thoughts. How many philosophers have used literature or other forms of art as influence to start a project, as a source, or as a reference? If Pollan writes about food, and you are writing a philosophical paper about food, I think whether he is a "philosopher" or not ultimatley does not matter."

Has anyone heard from Catholic? I saw a few rejections at the beginning of March and that was it.

I want to use works by Michael Pollan as a source for my undergraduate thesis topic and my professor continually persists that he is not a philosopher. I disagree with this and do not understand how he feels he can make this conclusion. He points out that Pollan is a journalist, which is true, but it seems silly to think that he cannot be both. I see philosophy as a practice that has practical applications to everyday life. Pollan writes original, thoughtful works centered around food. His writing has helped to inspire a new way of thinking about food, cooking, and eating. If anyone has read his work, I would appreciate hearing your thoughts on this.

It seems they are pretty late.

Hi Philoguy, I'm sorry to hear about your applications anxiety. I have not heard back from anywhere so I understand your position. One of my professors told me today to stay positive because schools are waiting to hear back from the people they sent acceptances to who may choose another program. Also, did you find out about the UVA rejection by logging on to your application? Just wanted to clarify what you mean that it is "on their website."

Riverstyx, I am in the same situation. When I log in to my application, it is the same. I do not know what this means either! I am hoping not a rejection but am also preparing myself for that possibility. Maybe they haven't sent out all of the rejections yet?

Same here!

Hi, I'm a female. Yay! My brain hurts from this process. I have two more applications to submit and then the great wait ensues.