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Alex McLeese
Independent Historian
Professional Background
Alex McLeese is an independent scholar and writer specializing in American intellectual history, with a keen focus on renowned philosopher John Dewey. His journey into the intricacies of American history not only showcases his academic prowess but also demonstrates his commitment to deep exploration and analysis. With a diverse career that intersects writing, education, and technology, Alex has cultivated a unique skill set that allows him to approach his subjects with both depth and creativity.
Before taking a deep dive into independent research, Alex amassed valuable experience writing as a newspaper reporter for Pioneer Press in the suburbs of Chicago. This position allowed him to hone his journalistic abilities, developing a sharp eye for detail and a competence in articulating complex topics with clarity. Following his work in journalism, he took on the role of a writing teacher at Henry Street Settlement House in New York City. In this capacity, Alex guided students from various backgrounds, empowering them to express themselves through writing, a mission that holds significant personal meaning for him.
Alex's expertise expands beyond his written works, as he is an enthusiastic web developer with notable experience at Adage Technologies. In this role, he demonstrated his programming skills in languages such as C#, JavaScript, and SQL, contributing to diverse web development projects. His proficiency in coding, alongside his interests in algorithms and programming challenges, illustrates his capability to bridge the gap between the humanities and technology.
Education and Achievements
Alex McLeese's academic journey is rooted in prestigious institutions that laid a strong foundation for his interdisciplinary interests. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History and Computer Science from Harvard University, where he immersed himself in the study of critical historical narratives and technological evolution. At Harvard, Alex also took various non-degree courses in Computer Science at the Illinois Institute of Technology, equipping himself with the necessary tools to navigate the digital landscape effectively.
His education reflects a robust combination of the humanities and the sciences, ensuring that Alex can approach historical inquiries with a technical lens while leveraging his writing prowess to communicate his findings. This unique blend of skills has led him to pursue thought-provoking essays that delve into subjects such as artificial intelligence and the history of computing.
Achievements
While Alex is still carving out a name for himself as an independent historian, his previous roles in reporting and writing have established a solid foundation for his ongoing projects. His dedication to exploring the legacy of John Dewey through essays highlights a commendable pursuit of understanding the intersections between philosophy, education, and democracy—invariably continuing a dialogue that is as relevant today as it was during Dewey's lifetime.
Additionally, his passion for technology and writing, evidenced by his development work and teaching roles, adds layers to his historical analysis. Alex embraces the challenges posed by both the present and the past, seeking to articulate the significance of history in shaping modern technological discussions. His ongoing works promise to provide enriching perspectives on the nuances of American history and the philosophies that drive societal progress.
Questions
- How did Alex McLeese's experiences as a newspaper reporter influence his approach to writing about American intellectual history?
- In what ways does Alex integrate his background in computer science into his analysis of the history of computing and artificial intelligence?
- What inspired Alex McLeese to focus on John Dewey's philosophy in his independent research?
- How do Alex's roles as a writing teacher and tutor shape his abilities as a writer and historian?
- What future projects can we anticipate from Alex McLeese in the realms of American history and philosophy?
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