Picking Brilliant Brains

Dr. Malcolm Murray: 

Philosopher and Writer Extraordinaire

Semantic writer Katelyn Dykstra-Dykerman continues her series in interviewing UPEI Profs

First, lovely readers, I must apologise. I did hope to have this interview out before the big debate (If you didn’t go – SHAME!), but owing to reasons previously stated by our dear editor (see: wretched illness on part of all staff - Ed.), this did not happen. Please forgive me.

Let me introduce Dr. Malcolm Murray.  I will begin by stating that I have had the distinct pleasure of directing one of Malcolm’s plays (and if you didn’t come see “Chop Wood, Carry Water” last semester, then double SHAME!!). So, as  tradition over the last couple of issues, I jumped on an opportunity to grill Malcolm for purely selfish reasons.

Malcolm grew up in Quebec as an Anglophone. He attended a small high school, before heading off to CEGEP. Malcolm admits to having a bit of attitude in school. In fact, there are two stories I want to relay;

1) After receiving a paper back which was very harshly graded, Malcolm decided that he would correct the professor’s grading. So, he corrected the corrections and handed it back.

2) Malcolm decided he did not agree with being graded for work at all, so one year in his undergrad he just didn’t hand in any assignments. He attended the lectures and did the readings, but felt that he should not have to be assessed. Luckily, when he realized that he would not be able to go back to university, he relented. 

Malcolm did his undergraduate in stops and starts. He changed paths a number of times, to settle into a degree in Psychology and Philosophy after 11 years. During those 11 years, he got married to his wife, Pat, and had his daughter, Emma. After having a family Malcolm decided to continue his schooling, and get his M.A. and PhD (both at Waterloo). After which, in the same week, he gave two papers, defended his PhD, and got accepted to cover a one-year sabbatical in Red Deer. After Red Deer, Malcolm took some sessional positions at Waterloo and Wilfred Laurier before coming to UPEI.

Malcolm’s main passion is research. In fact, it is the reason he decided to become a professor. Malcolm has published three academic books: Critical Reflection (2005), Liberty, Game and Contracts (2007), The Moral Wager (2007).  We are also excited awaiting the publication of Malcolm’s fourth book; The Atheist Primer. Aside from all of his academic work,  Malcolm also writes creatively. He began writing poetry in CEGEP, but it “became more prosaic”, so he moved to short fiction, and then plays. Malcolm has won two island literary awards; one for short fiction and one for playwriting.    

Favourite Movie: Wings of Desire, directed by Wim Wenders. 

Favourite Book: Recently, I really liked People of Paper by Salvador Plascencia.

Favourite Music: Minimalist: John Adams, "Shaker Loops."

Neo-classical: Henryk Gorecki, "Symphony No. #3 (Symphony of sorrowful Songs)"

Jazz: John Coltrane: "Blue Train."

Jazz fusion: St. Germaine, "Tourist"