RafaelX Gonzalez

"Rafael is always very well prepared and knowledgeable about the subjects he talks about."

"Recommendation for Raphael X. Gonzalez
Thomas A. Michaud, Ph.D.
Retired Professor of Philosophy, Dept. Chair, and Dean
6/29/2025

To Whom It May Concern:

It is my sincere pleasure to submit this recommendation for Raphael. I have known Raphael for about two years through my contributions to the interview videos Raphael develops. I have done four, at least two hours each, videos with him and they have been very worthwhile undertakings. I am certainly impressed by Raphael’s technical and intellectual aptitudes for conducting the interviews. His professionalism, probing questions, humor, and congenial demeanor all combine to make him a respectable and accomplished interviewer. I expect that the videos he produces will gain more and more interest as the months pass.
I am also highly impressed by the breadth of Raphael’s philosophical and theological knowledge. Too often today younger philosophers are quite adept with a single or perhaps even a couple of related philosophical topics. Their knowledge is not, typically, broadly rooted in the history of philosophy, but focuses on a specific problem and some correlative issues. As Raphael demonstrates in his videos, however, his command of the history of philosophy enables him to move knowledgeably among a wide range of topics with genuine philosophical aplomb. Raphael is not a mere dilettante but demonstrates the knowledge of one who has devoted very much time and thought to philosophical and theological questions.
As a professor of more than 47 years’ experience, and one who lead scores of faculty from various disciplines including philosophy and theology, I believe that Raphael is most probably an excellent instructor. I think this is likely true for live in-seat classes and virtual teaching. I would have absolutely no reservations about hiring him as a faculty member, I believe he would be a valuable contributor to a department, college or school and certainly merits such an opportunity.

Sincerely,

Thomas A. Michaud, PhD.
"