Farbod Akhlaghi

Running the Philosophy Society at Reading for two years was a source of immense fun and joy for Farbod. It was two very happy years of talks by leading philosophers, socials with wonderful friends, and organisation of the Summer Philosophy Day and an annual Undergraduate Philosophy conference at Reading.

“We worked hard to maintain a lively Philosophy community at Reading. Alongside events from pub crawls to film nights, particular mention should probably go to the annual Summer Philosophy Day. On that day, staff and students came together to play rounders, egg and spoon and three-legged races, and my all-time favourite philosophy Pictionary.”

Farbod also attended and sometimes even chaired the Department’s Visiting Speaker Series as the Philosophy Society President.

“We had so many exceptional speakers throughout the years. But the thing that always struck me about these events was that you were actively encouraged to attend them as undergraduates, and to ask questions in an environment that was respectful and understanding.”

Anytime Farbod wanted to talk to someone about feedback on an essay, or in general learn more about some topic or issue, he was always able to do so. He is grateful to his lecturers for all their support to a constantly-questioning undergraduate.

“Some members of the Department, in particular, gave up a tremendous amount of time to talk to me about careers in academia, about particular philosophical topics or problems, or acted as mentors at various important points during my time at Reading. Winning a Chancellor’s Award, the Laurie Brain Book Prize, and the Philosophy Department Prize would have been impossible if it was not for the exceptional help I received along the way.”

Farbod is now a Junior Research Fellow at Christ’s College, University of Cambridge. His primary research focuses on moral philosophy, metaphysics, and their intersections, and he has a wide-range of other interests including transformative experiences, epistemology, political philosophy, the philosophies of race, education, culture, and journalism, and the history of philosophy.

He also actively engages with the Faculty of Philosophy, teaches for Christ’s College and other colleges, helps with examining and assessing Philosophy degrees at University of Cambridge and sits on various college committees.

“I was one of those people who knew they wanted to pursue a career in academic philosophy before they really understood what it involved. What Reading helped me with was to show me what a fantastic philosophical environment can look like, with engaged students and brilliant teachers, who have a strong willingness to help students do as well as they possibly can. All of my teachers inspired me to continue to pursue my dream of being an academic philosopher, helping me understand the nature of Philosophy and academia in the UK, in general.”

“I received an exceptional education in Philosophy at Reading. Most importantly, I found role models for how to be a brilliant teacher, colleague, and mentor in members of the Department that I hope to emulate in my own career.”