Alejandro Santana
Professor of Philosophy
Former 'Loss Prevention Agent'

First-generation son of Mexican immigrants. California guy, born and bred in the San Fernando Valley. Sixth year at the University — tenure year, no pressure there. Teaches ethics, logic, socio-political philosophy, intro philo for freshmen, and Greek philosophy, his specialty. Preparing a new course on indigenous Mesoamerican thought (the Aztecs and Maya). Dreaming a course on North American Indian thought. Also dreaming a course on American foreign policy in Latin America, “because so very few people know that complex story…” Put himself through college by working as a plainclothes detective in grocery, sports, and home improvement stores: “You wouldn’t believe the stuff people tried to steal right before my eyes, chain saws, sneakers, generators, vacuum cleaners, a rack of ribs, a fresh crab…perhaps that’s where I became absorbed in ethics…” Delighted to teach on The Bluff: “I like that we are committed to philosophy here, that we invest in its importance to a thoughtful life. I also like that there are so many terrific teachers, which is inspiring but also challenging, they are so good, and I want to be as good as they are.
“I’m very impressed by our students, who are willing, motivated, and open. I have learned that it’s easier to teach juniors and seniors, because they self-select into my courses and are committed to discovery; but in a sense it’s more rewarding to teach the newer and younger students, because you have to meet them at their level. You have to find issues they find important and relevant, and open those issues to philosophical inquiry — the existence of God, homosexuality, selfishness, war, terrorism — whatever it takes. The reward comes when they discover their own inquisitive, contemplative, and reflective selves. One thing I have learned here is that our students are starving for a deeper understanding, and that is the exact joy of philosophic inquiry…”