Fordham University Personal Statement

In my undergraduate studies, I was first drawn to deconstruction and phenomenology after being astounded by philosophy’s reframing of theology’s conception of truth and understanding of ontology. Continental philosophy offered astute observations about the way human beings think and feel in the world in ways that theology felt wanting. Thus, I did further studies into continental philosophy in dialogue with my theological studies. I pursued a continuation of graduate studies in theology to continue research of how faith pertains to justice and to philosophy. My main concern in studying philosophy alongside theology – and reason for interest in graduate study of philosophy – is to be able to clearly articulate the implications of a phenomenology

I believe that I would be a good candidate because of my studies in religion and ethics. While in graduate school, I took it upon myself to study philosophy and the French language outside of school to pursue my goals. Therefore, my unique perspective of philosophy specializes in the understanding of philosophy’s relation to religion. More, I have had suitable opportunities to present papers on philosophy in classes which has strengthened my teaching abilities. It is my hope to do research at Fordham to dialogue between the philosophy, religion, and law departments so to contribute to ongoing discussion in an increasingly tense global situation between religions. Fordham University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences would be an excellent fit for my goals as the university specializes in continental philosophy while also having strengths in the areas of religion and law. To supplement my goals of continuation of study in the realm of phenomenology, I would pursue studies under Dr. Crina Gschwandtner and Dr. John Drummond to apply my knowledge from courses on phenomenology as it pertains to religious philosophy in a post-enlightenment era. Alongside phenomenology, studying under Dr. Babbite Babich and Dr. John Davenport will continue to develop my studies of Nietzsche and Kierkegaard as it pertains to existentialism and religion. In these studies, Fordham would present the opportunity to dialogue with professors doing groundwork in law, such as Dr. Baur, and in the concern for the environment (Dr. van Buren). Both law and the environment have significant ramifications, ethically, on the poor and disadvantaged communities. Moreover, Fordham would be conducive for the study of phenomenological thought of reduction and givenness as it also pertains to law and politics. Religion and philosophy both seek the answer of truth. This question is essential to the public