ISU Philosophy Club's Mission for Scholarly Support

ISU Philosophy Club member Dean Clinton spent his Friday evening at Cottonwood Junction antique store during the First Friday Art Walk in downtown Pocatello. His goal was to help raise funds for the Bill McCurdy Scholarship Endowment, which supports students in the Philosophy program. 

The ISU Philosophy Club has been active for the past few months trying to complete the endowment, as it will provide scholarship support to students in the program into perpetuity. The endowment is currently $4,000.00 short of its goal. 

“I'm truly inspired by the Philosophy club students' dedication to completing the Bill McCurdy endowment,” says Tabitha LaForce, Philanthropic Advisor for the College of Arts and Letters. “Their initiative and innovative fundraising ideas are not only creating a lasting scholarship but also honoring a beloved faculty member. I'm proud to see them stepping beyond their traditional roles, knowing the profound impact this endowment will have on future students and our program.”

The Department of Philosophy at ISU plays an important role in the university’s healthcare mission. A certificate in biomedical ethics prepares healthcare professionals to respond to ethical issues in the field and understand the constraints upon patients' choices, clinicians' actions, and implications for others who are not directly involved. Philosophy study also prepares students for careers in a diverse array of fields. Alumni from the field work in healthcare as nurses, PA’s, in social work, and in business and law. 

Philosophy Club President, Joseph Funk, a sophomore majoring in philosophy, participates in the club due to his appreciation for intellectual inquiry and the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions. Led by Professor Norton, the club provides a platform for members to delve into subjects selected through collective decision-making at the start of each semester. For Funk, the appeal extends beyond mere academic pursuit; it embodies a deeply rewarding and social experience. Philosophy, contrary to common misconceptions, is viewed as a collaborative endeavor, and the camaraderie fostered among fellow enthusiasts enhances the journey of unraveling complex concepts.

Philosophy students have also been active in presenting at conferences. Recently four students presented at the Pacific University Undergraduate Philosophy Conference. Funk presented his paper "Care Ethics within the Scope of Threshold Deontology." Konnor Whitfield, a senior, presented "Sarcasm, Poetic Language and Bullshit: Connecting Camp with Kenyon and Saul.”Junior Avery Orr presented "Theory, Experiment, and Rationality: Popper, Cartwright, and Kuhn on Scientific Change.” Lastly, David Fedaie, also a senior, captivated the audience with “Sarcasm in a Postmodern World.” These participants exemplify the depth and diversity of inquiry within the philosophical community, contributing valuable perspectives to the discourse at the conference.

To support student scholarship in philosophy, please consider giving to the Bill McCurdy Scholarship Endowment by visiting the give website.