Insights from The Philosophers Archive: Exclusive Q&A Interview

Can philosophy and creativity go hand in hand? For this week’s article, we had the privilege to interview the mind behind The Philosophers Archive- a blog where artistic expression meets deep philosophical thoughts. Today, we will delve into the idea behind the blog, its goals, journey and so much more!

What sparked the idea for you to start this blog and how has that inspiration evolved over time?

 The process of starting my blog was very impulsive. I had this idea in my mind for a few weeks, and on a random Wednesday night, I decided to create an Instagram account. I didn’t anticipate how long it would take to actually develop the blog, but it’s an ongoing and exciting journey!

How would you describe the core vision or mission of your blog to someone who has never read it before? 

As a humanities enthusiast, I’m passionate about elevating the importance of skills in the humanities, which are often undervalued compared to STEM.

The core mission of The Philosophers Archive is to create a space for like-minded individuals to share their perspectives through art, whether it’s poetry, blog articles, or visual creations. It’s a platform to celebrate the richness of philosophical and artistic expression.

What kind of philosophical pieces are you looking for and how do you decide which ones to feature on your blog? 

Philosophy is a broad and beautiful category, and I welcome a wide range of submissions for publication. So far, I’ve received everything from a photograph of snow to a poem on failure.

I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has shared their work- each piece adds a unique layer to the archive.

I’m always open to diverse interpretations of philosophy, and I encourage anyone to contribute their creations.

What are the aspects of running a blog that you enjoy the most and what are the ones that you find least enjoyable?

The parts I enjoy the most include curating social media posts, reviewing submissions, and writing. Writing has always been my passion, which is where this entire idea originated. I also enjoy flexing my creativity through designing posts. On the flip side, the actual development of the blog can be tedious and less enjoyable- but it’s all worth it in the end. 

Are there any philosophers or people that you know and keep motivating you to write about philosophy? How have they shaped the way you view philosophy as a whole?

My perspective on philosophy is shaped by the idea that everyone has a unique lens through which they view the world. While I don’t have a specific philosopher or individual in mind, I find inspiration in the collective creativity of those who contribute to The Philosophers Archive, reminding me of the vastness of human thought and the countless ways philosophy can be expressed.

It’s the community itself that keeps me motivated and reinforces my belief in the importance of humanities. 

Bonus Question: If you could have dinner with any philosopher- dead or alive who would it be and why? 

If I could have dinner with a philosopher, it would have to be Albert Camus. His ability to intertwine philosophical depth with literary artistry is unparalleled. I’d love to discuss his ideas about the absurd, as well as his views on rebellion and the human spirit. I imagine asking him about his writing process for The Stranger or The Plague and how his philosophical musings shaped his storytelling.

The Philosopher’s Archive reminds us that philosophy isn’t confined to textbooks or lecture halls alone but it is in the art that we create and the ideas we ponder upon. And the Philosopher’s Archive is open and excited to see what creative and thought- provoking works you can bring to the table today. 

You can submit to their blog using the link in their Instagram’s bio.