Max Kramer, B.A. 2017

2017 Major: Philosophy and Psychology (interdisciplinary)

How has being a Philosophy graduate from Duke helped shape you personally and/or professionally?

"Well, it certainly set me on the course I'm on now, which is that of a graduate student in philosophy. But that was a path toward which I gravitated naturally, as I started taking philosophy classes in my first semester even though I didn't intend to declare a philosophy major. So the real role it played is in facilitating this interest, cultivating it, and making it possible to act on it."

What advice would you give students in Duke's Philosophy programs? 

"Talking one-on-one with your professors and developing a relationship is essential to getting the most out of the program. It was through these connections that I was allowed into graduate seminars, which is something rare for a PhD program of Duke's caliber. And once you're in those upper-level classes, don't be concerned if things move too fast for you -- sitting back and keeping track of the conversation will reap significant rewards."