Faces of Domuni: Bastien Potentier, Master’s Student in Philosophy

5 may 2025

Faces of Domuni – Episode 2
Thinking the Real from Elsewhere
Bastien Potentier, Master’s student in Philosophy

Domuni quickly stood out as the obvious choice.

When I started looking for a distance learning philosophy programme, I had a few essential criteria in mind: strong academic standards, a structured yet flexible framework, and most importantly, the opportunity to continue learning in my native language while living abroad. Domuni quickly stood out as the obvious choice.

I was immediately drawn to the website. The breadth of the course catalogue, covering everything from ancient thinkers to contemporary philosophical debates, the freedom to design a personalised pathway, the guidance and support on offer... it all made me want to take the plunge. After completing a bridging Bachelor's degree, I’m now enrolled in the first year of the Master’s programme, with my sights set on a Master’s thesis, probably focusing on ethics or political philosophy.

A programme that matches my level of commitment

Philosophy at Domuni resonates with both my professional and personal life.

Contrary to popular belief, distance learning requires real dedication. The programme is demanding, it pushes you to be disciplined, to engage intellectually, while still offering a great deal of flexibility. I can move at my own pace, according to my schedule and other commitments. This freedom isn’t a sign of looseness—it’s a true driving force, a form of stimulating autonomy.

What I particularly value is that philosophy here isn’t treated as something abstract or removed from real life. On the contrary, it becomes a kind of breathing space, a constant invitation to question that resonates with both my professional and personal life.

Learning to think differently

Studying at Domuni also means learning how to research, to organise your thinking, and to look beyond appearances.

Studying at Domuni also means learning how to research, to organise your thinking, and to look beyond appearances. I’ve developed strong methodological skills, particularly in bibliographic research, that I now apply regularly in my professional life. But more importantly, this experience has allowed me to maintain a vital connection with the French language, even after several years of living abroad.

I work in the field of insurance and risk transfer. Through philosophy, I’ve started to question the core principles that underpin my profession, such as solidarity and mutualisation. Over time, I hope to explore this further—not by forcing concepts onto my work, but by cultivating a more ethical and coherent approach in my professional decisions.

A shared journey, even from a distance

Domuni is also a community of exchange and mutual support among students.

Domuni isn’t just an academic programme—it’s also a community. I regularly engage in conversations with fellow students, sometimes spontaneously, sometimes through more structured settings. These exchanges are essential: they help us share interpretations, persevere through doubts, and avoid the sense of isolation that can come with studying remotely.

I dedicate a lot of time to reading primary texts rather than just commentaries. This direct engagement with complexity lies, in my view, at the heart of true philosophical work. It’s by accepting that you won’t understand everything straight away that genuine progress happens.

A programme that walks with me on my path

The programme is transforming the way I think, write, and make decisions.

I’m not looking to change careers. I enjoy my job. But I can feel that the education I’m receiving at Domuni is gradually transforming the way I look at the world, how I analyse, write, and make decisions. It’s a personal journey, often a quiet one, but very real. Philosophy is shaping my daily life, giving structure to my thinking and keeping my love of learning alive.

Domuni, a space for growth and free thought

Domuni is a place of transmission and inner freedom.

To me, Domuni is much more than just an academic institution. It’s a place of transmission, a school of inner freedom, a space of meaning. Here, I find the opportunity to bring thought and action into dialogue, to grow without betraying myself, to learn without becoming rigid. And in this movement, I’ve discovered a community of researchers, teachers, and students who, each in their own way, help keep philosophy alive and vibrant.