Previous Academic Works
Below are some of my previous academic works for you to view, if you wish. This list does not include all my past work, only those pieces I could find on my drive. I am not sharing these because I think they are particularly good; in fact, I find some unrefined, while others hint at promise but remain rough, reflective of my exploratory undergraduate days. These works, nonetheless, capture my earnest engagement with the topics and texts that sparked my interests. So, I share them here not as final achievements, but as waypoints on a continuous path of learning and exploration. Please reach out and let me know what you think.
This is a short document outlining some key areas of my academic concentration during my undergraduate career.
This paper attempts to explain the concept of creativity.
The Ottoman Public Debt Administration (OPDA), established in the late 19th century, serves as a valuable entry point for an exploration of the relationship between state finance and imperial decline, or finance and governance more generally.
This paper explores selected writings of Plato, Aristotle, and Seneca, to investigate the authors’ respective thoughts regarding the proper relationship between emotions, specifically anger, and one’s capacity to live a good life.
This paper explores some of the factors that contributed to the 2008 Global Financial Crisis.
This essay explores Kierkegaard's Concept of Anxiety, specifically, the last chapter: "Anxiety as Saving Through Faith."
This was a group project for a Real Estate Development course, tailored towards those who may approach the topic with an entrepreneurial perspective. The document is a hypothetical proposal for an investment site.
The 1984 Sikh Massacre, which is the topic of this essay, was a tragic and complex event in India’s history, set against a backdrop of escalating political and communal tensions. Following Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's assassination, violence against the Sikh community spread, resulting in widespread suffering and loss. This essay covers two theories regarding the massacre’s origins: one framing it as a spontaneous eruption of communal violence, and the other as a politically orchestrated attack. Please note, however, that the views presented here do not necessarily reflect my current understanding of this issue. I think the issue deserves more attention and research for me to come to an informed perspective.
This paper discusses Travis's argument regarding the conceptual architecture of the US penal system within his work, But They All Come Back. Specifically, Travis focuses on the rise and fall of the Indeterminate Sentencing Model.
This paper examines the constitutionality of state transmission preference laws following the 5th Circuit's decision in NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc. v. Lake, which challenged Texas's restrictive transmission policies under the Dormant Commerce Clause. It contrasts this with the 8th Circuit’s defense of Minnesota's statute, emphasizing state authority in utility regulation. Additionally, it explores FERC's ongoing efforts to address transmission challenges, including past measures like Orders 888 and 1000, and current proposals to streamline project approvals and bolster transparency. The analysis highlights the tension between state regulatory power and the need for non-discriminatory interstate commerce in the energy sector.
This paper explores the phenomena of inequality in America, and focuses on America as a 'capitalist-democracy.'
This paper seeks to discuss the works of Gandhi and Ambedkar, two prominent figures in the formation of India as a nation, to better understand the foundations of late nineteenth century Indian nationalism.
This paper seeks to better understand India's colonial experience through the works of two authors, Spivak and Cohn. Posting this essay on the site is more so to show how much growth can occur if one just keeps working diligently. I remember being completely lost when I first began reading Spivak's work. No doubt, some of that confusion bled through to the essay.
About
Welcome to the website! My name is Chintan Datt and I'm a graduate of NYU's Gallatin School of Individualized Study, where I received my Bachelor of Arts in "Understanding the World: The Constitution of Subjectivity and Intellectual Sources of the Self." I'm not sharing this to claim any sort of expertise; rather, to give some background into what sort of ideas I have engaged with in the past. My academic journey, to date, has involved a pursuit of truth and insights across traditional disciplinary boundaries. I hope to build from my undergraduate foundation with this long term project.
This is an invitation to join me in exploration—to question, learn, and grow together. I welcome you not just to read, but to actively participate in these conversations, challenge ideas, and build your own framework of understanding. Together, we can work toward a more nuanced comprehension of our world and our place within it. If you are particularly knowledgeable or passionate about a particular topic, I invite you to reach out and inquire about contributing! I'm flexible and hopeful we can create something of value together.
Thank you for visiting!