Alumni network

Anna Pastor

Anna Pastor
BA 2018
US Air Force Captain, Contracting Officer

Further education Juris Doctorate at Columbia Law - Class of 2027

Favorite courses at Berkeley Ethical theories, Theory of Knowledge, Modern Philosophy, Symbolic Logic, and Philosophy of Mind

Favorite professors Prof. Wesley Holliday (Theory of Knowledge) and Prof. Timothy Clarke (Aristotle) take center stage as my personal favorites. With Holliday, abstract concepts become as clear as a sunny day, while Clarke's teaching style feels like a philosophical fireside chat. Their dedication to sparking critical thinking and curiosity is not just admirable—it's downright contagious. They're the dynamic duo that keeps me coming back for more mind-bending discussions and aha moments.

How has your philosophical training influenced your life and career? My philosophical training has been instrumental in shaping my career and life. Philosophy taught me to approach complex problems with analytical rigor and clarity of thought, skills essential in military decision-making and contracting negotiations. In the military, philosophical training helped me navigate ethical dilemmas and moral gray areas inherent in operational planning and leadership. Beyond my professional endeavors, philosophy has enriched my personal life by fostering intellectual curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world around me. It has equipped me with the tools to engage in meaningful discourse, challenge assumptions, and cultivate empathy—an essential trait for effective leadership and legal practice.

Email apastor2@berkeley.edu

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