Philosophy Magazine: Symphony of Reason

The Symphony of Reason philosophy magazine includes essays, student papers, book review, translation and poetry. Its purpose is to encourage philosophical reflection and creativity in PNW students.

Spring 2024: Volume IV, Issue 1

The current issue (IV.1) of Symphony of Reason (SOR), PNW’s philosophy magazine, is produced after a one-year (2023) gap. It is, as Dr. Detmer says (in his Foreword), “especially rich in philosophical content.” Divided into six main subsections, it begins with a paper (by PNW student, Savannah J. DeBoer) on the ethics of punishment, followed by two philosophical profiles – one each, on western philosophers Jean-Paul Sartre (by Dr. David Detmer) and Kierkegaard (by Prof. Hoon J. Lee).

Next, we have what Dr. Detmer calls a “provocative and enlightening” long essay by former PNW professor, Dr. Renee Conroy – on “aesthetics, the branch of philosophy that historically has dealt primarily with issues concerning the nature and value of art, and of the principles underlying our evaluation and appreciation of works of art.” This is followed by three short essays on abortion (by PNW students Kathleen Nielsen and Kaitlyn Vasilko, and PNW alumnus, Kayla Vasilko).

After this, we have Dr. Lee Artz’ critique of Dr. Deepa Majumdar’s essay (in SOR III.1, S 2022) on Mr. Putin’s 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, followed by her spirited reply. Finally, this issue ends with four philosophical poems – one each by Prof. Subbarao Majety, and Kaitlyn Vasilko, and two by Kayla Vasilko.

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Student Contributors

Faculty Contributors

Explore Past Issues

Fall 2022: Volume III, Issue 2

In this sixth issue, like its predecessors, the current issue of Symphony of Reason, Purdue University Northwest’s philosophy magazine, offers its readers a great variety of thought-provoking writings. Prose and poetry, East and West, philosophy, religion, law, and love – all of these may be found here!

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Student Contributors

Faculty Contributors

Spring 2022: Volume III, Issue 1

Three current, ongoing crises – the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the raging battle over abortion set off by the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, and the escalating threat of environmental catastrophe – are all addressed illuminatingly in these pages from a philosophical perspective.

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Student Contributors

Fall 2021: Volume II, Issue 2

In this fourth issue, student contributors put together works analyzing morality of racism and vegetarianism, they also look at the appreciation of nature and the higher self. Additionally, students look at the works of Plato and St. Augustine and faculty contributors explore the works of John Locke and reflect on “Things.”

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Student Contributors

Spring 2021: Volume II, Issue 1

In this ​third issue, we have ​seven authentic student voices reflecting on a range of authors (Plato, Descartes, Epictetus, etc.) and topics (truth, historiography, etc.).

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Student Contributors

Fall 2020: Volume I, Issue 2

In this second issue, we have ​authentic student voices reflecting on the value of philosophy and the twin pandemics.

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Student Contributors

Spring 2020: Volume I, Issue 1

In the first issue, we have essay work, student papers, a book review, translation, poetry, and experiential papers where “students imagine themselves as the released prisoner” in Plato’s Allegory of the Cave.

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Student Contributors

Creator and Editor

Deepa Majumdar, D.S.Sc.