The Philosophers' Cocoon

Resources for mid-career philosophers: should the Cocoon (officially) expand its scope?

In our newest "how can we help you?" thread a reader asks:

This site has been very helpful for graduate students and junior faculty. And it's been around long enough that many of us are now tenured.

What are good resources for that middle career range? There are more and different administrative expectations, more and different politics to navigate, and fewer questions about CVs, job applications, and how to get publications. There are also questions about research trajectories, how to mentor junior faculty, how to think about career trajectories, when and whether to pursue promotion to full, etc.

These aren't great questions for this blog unless its scope is expanded. Maybe it's time to do so? (Or have an occasional series on these questions? I imagine early-career folks might appreciate some insight into what's coming, as long as it doesn't overtake the entire blog.)

Good questions! The Cocoon has discussed mid-career issues (such as tenure) at many points, but officially remains a forum focused on early-career issues. Personally, I'd be open to expanding the Cocoon's scope and changing the blog's mission and subtitle to "a safe-and-supportive forum for philosophers." I doubt much would change, and I'd always make a point of focusing on early-career issues. It might also serve early-career philosophers to see mid-to-late career issues discussed, as well. 

What do readers think?

Mission Statement

I hereby extend a profession-wide invitation to contribute to a new blog I have created that aims to be "by and for" early-career philosophers: The Philosophers' Cocoon.

This blog aims to be a safe and supportive "grass roots" forum for early-career professional philosophers -- graduate students, post-docs, and entry-level faculty members -- to discuss their work, ideas, and personal-professional issues.  Philosophers who are not in the "early" stages of their careers are also invited to become contributing members, as their experiences in the profession may, for obvious reasons, be very much relevant to the blog's aims. 

Blog participants (i.e. any philosopher who wishes to participate!) are invited to post (A) working papers and ideas, as well as (B) comments, questions, or concerns on issues including but not limited to:

• Navigating graduate school
• Publishing
• Work-life-family balance
• Etc.

This is not intended to be "my" blog.  My hope is to serve as primarily as blog moderator, and for the blog's content to be driven by and for any and every early-career philosopher who wishes to contribute. As blog moderator, I promise to rigorously ensure a safe and supportive environment for all.  I will not approve, and will immediately remove, any contributions or comments that I (or anyone else) reasonably finds remotely derogatory or threatening.  Finally, anyone who wishes to make an anonymous post (e.g. to discuss an issue they are not comfortable attaching their name to) is welcome to email me their post and request that I post it anymously.  I will post any and all such requests, provided they otherwise satisfy the aims described in this mission statement.

If you would like to become a contributor to the Philosopher's Cocoon, please simply send me an email at [email protected].  Please also be sure to tell me in the email your present status (grad student, etc.), and feel free to provide me with a link to your homepage.

I hope that this blog finds its intended audience and grows organically to meet that audience's needs.  I very much look forward to meeting anyone and everyone who chooses to participate.

Sincerely,

Marcus Arvan

Assistant Professor of Philosophy

University of Tampa