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JU adjunct philosophy instructor Nick Michaud likes to think — about a lot of things. Everything, in fact. On occasion, he writes about those things.
Michaud said he believes philosophy remains one of the most important and life-changing disciplines, and by teaching it in an accessible way relevant to students’ lives, he can help inspire them to better understand themselves and their place in the world.
To that end, he’s become prolific in helping analyze the philosophical questions and underpinnings of popular and classic fiction. A quick look at his Amazon page (www.amazon.com/author/nicolasmichaud) reveals numerous contributions in this area.
Most recently, he edited the book “Frankenstein and Philosophy,” and co-edited “The Hunger Games and Philosophy.” Currently, he is working on “Jurassic Park and Philosophy” and “Adventure Time and Philosophy.”
Publicity material for “Frankenstein and Philosophy” states: “Ever since it was first unleashed in 1818 the story of Victor Frankenstein and his reanimated, stitched-together corpse has inspired intense debate. Can organic life be reanimated using electricity or genetic manipulation? If so, could Frankenstein’s monster really teach itself to read and speak as Mary Shelley imagined? Do monsters have rights, or responsibilities to those who would as soon kill them? … Frankenstein and Philosophy calls 25 philosophers to stitch together these and other questions as they apply to history’s greatest horror franchise.”
“The Hunger Games and Philosophy,” meanwhile, raises the following questions: “Is it okay for (main character) Katniss to break the law to ensure her family’s survival? Do ordinary moral rules apply in the Arena? Can the world of The Hunger Games shine a light into the dark corners of our world? Why do we often enjoy watching others suffer? How can we distinguish between what’s real and not real? This book draws on some of history’s most engaging philosophical thinkers to take you deeper into the story and its themes, such as sacrifice, altruism, moral choice, and gender.”
Michaud also co-wrote a chapter in “Ender’s Game and Philosophy,” which was featured in The New York Times and on The Huffington Post, about Queer Theory and the perceived homophobia of “Ender’s Game” author Orson Scott Card. He writes: “Card, who serves on the board of the National Organization of Marriage (a group that works to advocate against gay marriage) does not just believe gay marriage is wrong, but that homosexuality itself is an immoral danger to society and the soul. As virulent as Card’s anti-homosexuality stance is, it seems there’s a good chance that we can find anti-gay messages in “Ender’s Game.” It’s not a stretch, as the main bad guys are the ‘buggers,’ which is a term often used for gay men. But we think there may be more beneath the surface of the story. Interestingly, we’ve found that Ender’s Game may actually be very sympathetic to forbidden male love . . .”
Michaud has also contributed to 30 Rock and Philosophy, Transformers and Philosophy, Final Fantasy and Philosophy, Stephen Colbert and Philosophy, Mr. Monk and Philosophy, The Golden Compass and Philosophy, World of Warcraft and Philosophy, Twilight and Philosophy, Martial Arts and Philosophy, Manga and Philosophy, Green Lantern and Philosophy, Dexter and Philosophy, SpongeBob Square Pants and Philosophy, Tattoos and Philosophy, and The Big Lebowski and Philosophy.
He completed his MA in Practical Philosophy and Applied Ethics at the University of North Florida, and is completing his MA in English and Doctorate in Educational Literature at UNF as well. He has spoken across the country presenting his work at numerous conferences; most recently he was the keynote speaker at UNF’s Undergraduate Research Symposium and a guest speaker at North Florida Community College. He is particularly interested in issues in educational philosophy, pop culture and aesthetics.
Michaud teaches philosophy at JU, as well as English and Humanities at Florida State College at Jacksonville, Nova University, and the Art Institute.
More information: Phillip Milano, JU Director of News and Publications, pmilano@ju.edu, (904) 256-7042.