The story of Cecile

Cecile: 'Analytical skills are crucial when the truth is scarce'

When Cecile was introduced to comparative philosophy during an exchange programme in Taiwan, she knew immediately that she wanted to learn more about it. ‘It changed the way I looked at the world and, for me, the world itself.’

‘I grew up in a religious community,’ says Cecile. 'From an early age, I wondered why one religion was the truth in one place, and in another, the truth was completely different.'

Getting acquainted with comparative philosophy

When she was given the opportunity to study abroad during her Bachelor's degree in Arts and Culture at Erasmus University, she seized it with both hands. 'I was curious to see what it would be like in a culture I didn't know yet. That turned out to be Taiwan, where I enrolled in the only philosophy course taught in English: Comparative Philosophy. It was a master's course, even though I was still a bachelor's student. I knew very little about it beforehand, but once I started, I became incredibly enthusiastic. I wanted to continue with this.'

London or Leiden?

She had a choice of two master's programmes: one in London and one in Leiden. ‘The decision was quickly made: I chose Leiden,’ she says. In Leiden I learned how much care is needed in comparing texts from different times and cultures, but we also often discussed philosophies such as Taoism and Confucianism and oral philosophies such as Ubuntu.'

During her studies, she joined the Education Committee. ‘I was particularly curious about what went on behind the scenes, but I also discovered that I found education very interesting, which helped me in finding work in the education sector.’

Analysing arguments

Cecile now teaches at the Leisure and Events Management programme at the Willem de Kooning Academy in Rotterdam, where students learn how to plan and set up cultural events such as exhibitions, parties and social initiatives. 'I teach classes related to philosophy, leisure and culture. I am also a moderator/presenter on the 'Debatpodium Arminius'. I formulate the propositions for their Debatedate programme, and then encourage people to engage in conversation with each other.’

‘My studies definitely add value to both my jobs: during my philosophy studies, I learned very well how to analyse an argument and distinguish between sources based on reliability. These are skills that are becoming increasingly important and can’t be replaced by technology. It's great when you're able to do that well.'