The Multiple Lives of Lauren Friend: Faculty Dean and Published Philosopher
Dec 08, 2025 | by Ildi Carlisle-Cummins
PCS Dean of Faculty Lauren Friend and her husband Jason both have day jobs at schools.
But over holiday breaks they enjoy writing philosophy articles that "feel fun," including their new article in the journal Philosophy Now that uses a pop culture lens to dive into metaphysical and ethical questions about human identity. The Friends' article focuses on the 2023 Richard Linklater movie Hit Man and the possibility of human reprogramming.
Although writing philosophy with Jason is a personal passion, it intersects with her work at PCS. In her role as Dean of Faculty, Lauren is constantly thinking about identity and the ways we can become our best selves. At PCS she thinks about how to structure our school so that it supports habits of mind and habits of being that help students to feel a sense of empowerment to be their best.
We are glad to have a thoughtful-- and now published-- philosopher in this key role at our school!