Pierre Cassidy

Pierre Cassidy is undertaking a Masters in Philosophy in Humanities at Memorial. “My area of specialization is epistemology, selfhood and literary theory.”

From Montreal/Ottawa, Pierre did his undergrad degree in History and the Liberal Arts at Concordia University. “I pursued graduate studies for the same reason that I pursued undergraduate studies. I hate working a job where my motivation is nothing other than a paycheck, and where no one else shares the same desire for understanding, reading, conversation and argument. University has always been about being in a community of interested and curious people.”

“There are two reasons I chose Memorial -- first, because the M.Phil program is unique in Canada and allowed me to narrow a field of interest while continuing the exploratory style reading program I had done at the Liberal Arts College. Second, I'd never been further east than Quebec City, and I'd heard such nice things about Newfoundland that it was a happy coincidence.”

“My department, especially with the guidance of Peter Trnka (my head of department and tutor) I was happily introduced to some contemporary thinkers, and some rather unexpected texts which, which broadened my understanding of just how fun, different and exciting academic work could be.”

“This university, especially in light of the strong connection between the M. Phil and the philosophy I was able to appreciate how closely knit and communitarian a university could be. If the departments are smaller here than they would be in Toronto for example, they are the more personal and easy to navigate.”

“St John's made me realize just how diverse Canada actually, and that that diversity is not an ethnic plurality but a variety of unique ways of living, pocketed and bracketed throughout one country.”

“Outside of my studies, I have taken up climbing, and love walking and hiking around the city. I also like dancing and seeing shows in the local bars.”

“After completing my degree, I plan to undertake a PhD program in Philosophy.”