Editor’s Letter
2022
Dear Readers,
A large reason why I was so reluctant to write this letter has been the futility in removing the “bitter” from the “bitter-sweet” of recognizing that this is very much a coda to my time with the CSU East Bay Philosophy Department. Though that sentiment was quickly replaced by an elatedness that can only be truly described (as cliche as it may be) by Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance”. After all, Reflections is a celebration of the academic achievement of the students and faculty of a philosophy department we have made uniquely our own. More so than that, this department has been an oasis, a foster home of sorts, to all of us who have no doubt felt somewhat stranded by these times.
First I would like to thank our previous editors, James Filling and Seiko Wada, for reviving Reflections and hopefully making this a long-continuing tradition. I would like to personally thank each and every contributor of the articles: Kyle Sabater, Nikolaus Carey, Esther Han, and Pankaj Singh; all of whom are respected peers and some even close friends. Lastly, a very special thanks to Dr. Ferrarello for her near infinite capacity of patience and understanding, and her invaluable guidance.
For those of us whose journey with CSU East Bay is not quite yet complete, I urge you to consider submitting entries in future editions of Reflections both as a personal challenge and a pedagogical legacy. For those of us continuing on to diverging journeys, I hope Reflections will serve as a beacon of a milestone that we can look back fondly upon.
Your (ex) Editor,
Jiaqi Liu
Our Mission
Reflections is an undergraduate philosophy journal managed by students in conjunction with faculty. The journal aims to publish the most engaging and representative papers from philosophy majors and minors (both at Cal State East Bay and elsewhere) who want to share some of their philosophical research and reflections. The journal promotes diversity of ideas, creeds, and informed opinions. It believes in the importance of engaging with the widest variety of contents in order to promote awareness, culture, and equity.
Our Purpose
To showcase the work of Cal State East Bay students, especially Philosophy majors and minors.
To promote the Philosophy program at Cal State East Bay
To use as an outreach to prospective Philosophy students
To inspire other students in pursuing a philosophy major or minor
Reflections 