Feedback, please

I put myself before a firing squad yesterday (read: I read a paper in front of members of the philosophy department yesterday). I think the presentation went well. After I read the paper, there was a fruitful Q&A session that lasted about an hour. This was the important part for me. The paper I read is part of the first chapter of my thesis, as well as my application writing sample, which means I'm looking for all the feedback I can get on this thing. In light of some of the comments made yesterday, the paper has already made some improvements. It can only go up from here...

Barb came to the talk. It was her first real philosophy event (although she has been to many dept outings, which inevitably turn into philosophy events). On the bus ride home, I asked her 'Whaddaya think?'

'You guys are wierd. You spend all your time working hard on some idea and then take it to people so they can tear it apart.'

Maybe we're gluttons for punishment...