Today we’d like to introduce you to James Sikkema.
Hi James, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I had no plans on becoming a philosopher – didn’t even know it was something to be, really. But having been raised in a very conservative religious household and having been predisposed to all sorts of questions, philosophy seemed to have found me. The questions it poses were invitations to think about things differently, rigorously, critically, and creatively. It is true to say that philosophy is less of a discipline in its own right and more of a mode of thinking. Even more so, it is, in my estimation, a way of being in the world: with curiosity, open-mindedness, care, understanding, and wisdom. So, it was never enough for me to only teach philosophy in the university – the benefits of philosophical thinking should, I thought, be provided to everyone. I, therefore, developed programs that facilitate philosophical inquiry with children and youth, offer ethical consulting to organizations, and host public events focusing on contentious current events. In a spirit of continuing my interest in making philosophy accessible to everyone, I’m working on a few book projects: “One Time for Your Mind: Philosophical Investigations on Hip Hop Meditations,” “Sages and Cyphers: Intro to Philosophy Remixed,” and “The Thoughtful Year: A Guided Journal for the More Examined Life.” I also plan to host Hip Hop and philosophy events on university campuses, where Hip Hop artists will perform a set list of songs and then will unpack their philosophical content through audience interaction.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Studying philosophy has come at a great price. I abandoned my religious upbringing, experienced strained family relationships, incurred years of poverty, and exacerbated struggles with depression, loneliness, and self-worth. It’s also incredibly difficult to get a job in academia – I have only been able to find limited-term contracts. The most recent is why I’m in Cincinnati (at Xavier University). Taking this job, however, has meant me spending significant time away from my wife and children back in the Toronto area.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m most known for creating and delivering innovative courses that marry abstract theorizing and concrete problem-solving. I’m most proud of developing a philosophy for children program at my former university (I’m currently working on developing a philosophy for children program at Xavier University). I plan to host workshops in critical thinking in the post-truth age and in ethical reasoning for organizations interested in developing and implemented a considered ESG proposition.
My written work, though it is mostly still very much in the works, is characterized by taking concrete issues and applying philosophical thinking to them in order to find a novel solutions. I am working on a couple of projects at the moment: “One Time for Your Mind: Philosophical Investigations on Hip Hop Meditations,” “Sages and Cyphers: Intro to Philosophy Remixed,” and “The Thoughtful Year: A Guided Journal for the More Examined Life.”
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Be curious. Be open-minded. Be uncomfortable. Ask questions, then ask some more. Be attentive, sincere, and respectful. Most of the people I network with are people I randomly met by either being open to their introducing themselves to me or me being open to introducing myself to them. You never know whether a person you meet will become a friend, a business partner, an ally, or just a good conversation for that short time.
Pricing:
- Philosophical Inquiry Teacher Training: $149.00/participant
- Conceptual Coaching Workshops (Ethical Reasoning or Critical Thinking):$249.00/participant
Contact Info:
- Website: www.overstandacademy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesoverstands/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-s-629a111b0/
Image Credits
Bonny Ibowah
Brad Stone
Vin Rock
Dupre “Doitall” Kelly
