Peter Alward is a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Saskatchewan. Originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, he received his doctorate from The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1998. He works primarily on issues in the Philosophy of Art and Literature.
What are you working on right now?
Right now, I’m working on a monograph on the metaphysics and semantics of fiction in which I defend referential anti-realism, the view that one can literally think and talk about fictional characters despite the fact that they neither exist nor are they otherwise real. In my view, this is a position that, despite being prima facie ludicrous, is both compelling and, dare I say, nifty (niftiness being one of the under-appreciated virtues of philosophical theories). Luckily, certain disciplinary luminaries have already defended views of this kind, including Searle—who defends it in the case of fiction—and Salmon—who defends it in the case of past and possible objects. So, who can object if I defend it as well?
What’s your personal philosophy?
I’ve always wanted a pithy slogan to sum my philosophical views, and I’ve finally found one: You can do lots of things with lots of things. And I mean it.
What do you like to do outside of work?
During the last few years, I’ve taken up live musical performance as my main extracurricular activity. I play guitar and sing a mix of originals and obscure cover songs on various stages around Saskatoon (and occasionally elsewhere). The very small audiences for my very short sets are generally quite tolerant. Lots of fun.
What is your favorite film of all time? (Or top 3). Why? To whom would you recommend them?
1. Casablanca
2. Do the Right Thing
3. Withnail and I
Why? Because they’re great.
To whom would I recommend them? Everyone.
Fun fact: I once published an article centred around my 3rd-ranked choice entitled “Rogue or Lover: value-maximizing interpretations of Withnail and I.”
What would you like your last meal to be?
Lamb vindaloo. Since it’s my last meal, I presumably won’t have to face any of the normal gastrointestinal consequences. And to be clear, I would like it to be hot but not blazing, producing just one bead of sweat on my forehead. Moreover, I would like it made with lamb tenderloin rather than the lamb on the bone that the local curry shops offer around here.
What’s your favorite quote?
1. “If Bach were alive today, he would be rolling over in his grave.”
—Anonymous
2. “One must, it is true, forgive one’s enemies—but not before they have been hanged.”
—Heinrich Heine
What’s your poison? (Favorite drink.)
My favorite drink is Jack Daniels on the rocks, usually a double so I can savor it without feeling rushed. In my dotage, this is an increasingly rare treat.
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