Category: Philosophy
Philosophy meets the future
January 16, 2026 Written by Megan M.F. Everhart and Natasha Kapadia | Photo by Kathy F. Atkinson
UD Professor explains why age-old questions matter in an era of rapid change
Ask Carla Merino-Rajme what philosophy is really about, and she’ll say it’s everywhere–in our assumptions, our debates, our everyday choices, and especially in the hard questions we can’t stop asking.
Merino-Rajme joined the University of Delaware Department of Philosophy in fall 2025. The assistant professor’s research areas include metaphysics, consciousness, temporal experience, time and intentionality.
We spoke with Merino-Rajme about her approach to teaching and why philosophy matters in the modern world.
Q: What attracted you to the Department of Philosophy at UD?
Merino-Rajme: I was drawn to UD because it struck the perfect balance between serious research and strong teaching, two things I value deeply. When I visited, I saw a community of philosophers producing excellent work while also showing tremendous care for their students. The department felt friendly, supportive, intellectually alive and genuinely welcoming. I could immediately imagine myself happily teaching, writing and engaging in philosophical conversations with both students and colleagues. Even the physical space, a small house filled with students reading and discussing philosophy, conveyed warmth, excitement and a sense of community.
Q: How would you explain your areas of study, philosophy of mind and metaphysics, to someone new to the field?
Merino-Rajme: In broad strokes, philosophy of mind examines what the mind is and how it fits within reality. It asks questions like what is consciousness? How do we perceive the world? Is the mind identical to the brain? Is the mind something non-physical? What does it mean to understand something? On the other hand, metaphysics asks what things are at the most fundamental level. That includes questions like “what is time?” What is a person? What is a number? What is morality? What are material objects made of? It also overlaps with philosophy of mind: Is a mind a material object? A function? Something separate from matter entirely? These “what is X?” questions about the nature of reality are central to metaphysics.
Q: What are some of the most pressing philosophical issues today, and how has the field changed?
Merino-Rajme: Classic debates about consciousness and free will now collide with rapid advances in artificial intelligence, raising urgent questions about whether AI could ever be conscious, what moral status it might have and what distinguishes genuine understanding from simulation. At the same time, AI has changed how philosophy is practiced: Tools can generate arguments or prose instantly, making authentic critical thinking even more essential. As a result, more work is shifting to in-class writing and discussion so students actively wrestle with the ideas rather than outsourcing the thinking.
Q: How do you introduce philosophy to students who may be taking the class only for a requirement?
Merino-Rajme: The environment matters enormously. I try to create a classroom where students feel safe sharing their ideas, asking questions and exploring their own thinking. With content, I start by connecting big philosophical issues to everyday experiences: Was coming to class today a free act? Are you the same person you were last week? What does it mean to understand something? Once students see that philosophy grows out of questions they already have, it becomes relatable and exciting.
Q: What topics resonate with students, and what do you hope they gain from studying philosophy?
Merino-Rajme: Students are especially drawn to philosophy of mind and metaphysics because they invite personal curiosity and active engagement. My goal is for them to experience the joy of asking thought-provoking questions while developing skills such as clear communication, respectful disagreement and critical thinking. Philosophy underpins all disciplines, fosters intellectual humility and self-reflection, and helps students grapple with the fundamental questions we all ask about ourselves and our place in the world.
Q: What should students know about your teaching style?
Merino-Rajme: Philosophy is not only valuable and challenging, but it’s fun. In my classes, there is a lot of dialogue, collaboration and exchange of ideas. Students learn from one another, often forming friendships as they work through hard questions together. I want my classroom to be a community where everyone feels heard and where everyone can contribute meaningfully to philosophical discussions.
Q: Do you ever face challenges with students communicating respectfully?
Merino-Rajme: I’ve been fortunate; students tend to be very respectful. One of the joys of teaching is seeing a student who seemed disengaged suddenly become animated by a philosophical question. I try to take students seriously, listen carefully and help them sharpen their ideas. Watching them learn from one another, build confidence and form intellectual friendships is one of my favorite parts of teaching.
Q: Is there anything else you’d want readers to know?
Merino-Rajme: I’m new to UD, and I’m excited to get to know the student body better so I can teach better. And I truly believe the philosophy department here is a special place, a “magical house,” full of energy, thought and community. I’m very happy to be here.
