Name: Taylor Coles

Track: “A Bumper Sticker Ethos”

Education: Government and Philosophy, Georgetown University ’15

Hometown: Spokane, Washington

Who’s the current occupant of your dream job? Thomas Nagel, professor of philosophy and law at New York University. Although I have found little on which to agree with him, I would forgive it all if he gave me his job.

What one-word description would you find most flattering? Worthwhile.

What potential perception about you would be misguided? I have found that I communicate in ways that make other people think I have a higher opinion of myself than I do. I argue for the sake of the argument, not for the sake of being right.

What ethical question confounds you? The ethical status of animals.

Why were you dumber at 18? It wasn’t until I got to Georgetown that I was in constant contact with people willing and able to prove me wrong.

How would you hope to be impressed by your future self? I hope to find that I left everything on the court and kept my health. Absent that, being able to afford NBA league pass in my leisure years would be much appreciated.

Who is another Calling My Shot contributor whom you admire? Mark Lance, my thesis advisor, has been an amazing person with which to work and he is an excellent model for the engaged and academically impactful professor.