[Faces of Domuni] Dr. María-José Caram

 

[EPISODE 14] – Dr. María-José Caram

Transmitting Philosophy Beyond Borders: The Commitment of a Dominican at the Heart of Domuni

Originally from northern Argentina, Dr. María-José Caram, a Doctor of Theology, now lives in Tucumán, her native city. From there, she develops an academic activity that transcends borders: she collaborates remotely with universities in Argentina, Bolivia, and most especially with Domuni Universitas.

A Progressive Encounter with Domuni

My relationship with Domuni Universitas was built progressively, but it has now become an important commitment in my academic journey. I discovered an educational proposal that immediately appeared to me both relevant and intellectually stimulating.

What first attracted my attention was the possibility of contributing to making theological studies accessible to people who are unable to travel or follow a traditional academic curriculum. I am particularly sensitive to the fact that many individuals wish to study theology but are prevented from doing so by life constraints: geographical distance from university centers, family responsibilities, or professional obligations. In this context, distance learning represents a genuine response. It enables each person to organize their studies according to their own possibilities and to learn at a pace adapted to their daily reality.

The Strengths of the Domuni Proposal

What I perceive as one of the major strengths of Domuni Universitas is, first and foremost, the academic quality of the content offered. The texts are rigorous, substantial, and intellectually demanding.

Yet there is another essential dimension: organizational freedom. The ability to manage one’s time flexibly is, in my view, a decisive element in allowing a broad audience to gain access to higher education.

I also find particularly remarkable the intuition that Domuni demonstrated from the very beginning regarding digital technologies, the Internet, and today, artificial intelligence.

This openness makes it possible to imagine new pathways for pedagogy and for online university education. For me, this opens highly stimulating perspectives, especially in connection with my own research interests.

A Foundational Encounter and a Growing Commitment

My first significant encounter in this journey dates back to my meeting with Fr. Michel Van Aerde, o.p. in Cusco, where we were both on mission. A few years later, in 2004, he came to visit me in Argentina, in Córdoba.

He invited me to write a course on the Holy Spirit. I accepted, and this work marked the beginning of a collaboration that has continued throughout the years.

What motivates me, beyond the work itself, is also the friendship and human closeness that have developed within this context.

Today, I am a member of the Faculty Council of Theology. I also had the opportunity to meet Dr. Marie Monnet, o.p., the rector, during a visit to Córdoba. These exchanges were profoundly meaningful for me, both on a human and intellectual level.

I also participate in the LIRP, a highly stimulating group that encourages me to read, write, and reflect, particularly on the impact of artificial intelligence in pedagogy. This subject directly connects with my principal areas of interest.

My journey within Domuni Universitas is still recent. I experience it as a path marked by freedom, creativity, and encounter.

I hope that further opportunities for collaboration and exchange will continue to enrich this path, which I pursue with enthusiasm and openness.