Exploring
Philosophy, Programming, Literature
"The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind."
Kahlil Gibran

Hi, I'm Tyler!
I think real understanding means seeing how things connect and relate to each other, not just memorizing facts. I work as a Programming Instructor at an after school program and as a Computer Science Tutor at City College of San Francisco. I've worked with students of different ages and backgrounds, and I've learned that everyone thinks differently. That's why I'm here to help you learn in a way that works for you. While Philosophy is my main interest, I enjoy helping others develop an appreciation for the beauty of Programming and Literature.
Subjects
How does it work?
I tailor my instruction to how you learn best. We'll start by talking about what you want to achieve. I suggest and prefer monthly and long term arrangements because learning is most effective when it becomes a habit. Truly internalizing ideas in fields like programming, philosophy, or literature takes time and consistent practice. That said, I understand everyone's situation is different, so I'm open to individual sessions if that works better for you. All sessions happen online via Google Meet or Zoom.
Approach to Learning
I think everyone should learn to be independent and stay curious. Learning can be intimidating, especially with unfamiliar jargon, and that's where help can make a big difference. No matter where you are with learning, I'm open to helping however I can. I don't judge people or make assumptions about what they know since everyone has different backgrounds and experiences.
For those interested in all three subjects, we can adopt a rotating focus. For instance, we could dedicate one month to Programming, the next to Philosophy, and a third to Literature. This cyclical approach allows for deep immersion in each area while revealing the profound connections between them over time.
"The path isn't a straight line, it's a spiral. You continually come back to things you thought you understood and see deeper truths."
Barry H. Gillespie
Schedule a 30-min Conversation
Curious about working together? Let's just have a conversation first. We can chat about what you're hoping to learn, what's been frustrating you, how you like to learn, and get to know each other first.
Tutoring Rates
Payment options: Zelle, Venmo, and other similar services accepted.
Individual Sessions
$50
per hour
First session is free
Good for:
- Trying out tutoring
- Irregular scheduling needs
- Specific project help
Monthly Sessions
$120
per month
(4 weekly 60-min sessions)
$30 per hour
Best for:
- Regular skill building
- Long term projects
- Structured curriculum
Zero to One Python
Start your programming journey from scratch with this free interactive guide. Build real understanding from zero to your first working program.
Cancellation Policy
Please allow for a minimum of 24 hour notice for any cancellations or rescheduling. If a session is cancelled with less than 24 hrs, or if a student doesn't attend a scheduled session (no-show), full session fee is forfeited.
To cancel or reschedule, please email or text me.
In cases of emergencies, contact me when you are available to discuss.
Questions? Reach out directly:
Why Philosophy, Programming & Literature?
At first glance, these three subjects might seem disconnected. But together, they create a powerful framework for understanding our world. Philosophy teaches us how to ask deep questions and think with clarity. Literature immerses us in the vast spectrum of human experience, developing our empathy and our ability to navigate ambiguity. And Programming gives us the tools to build, innovate, and solve problems with logical precision.
Programming is a fascinating discipline because it demands a unique kind of rigor. In code, every symbol and command must have a precise, unambiguous meaning. A variable points to a specific piece of data; a function executes a clear instruction. It is a world that operates on logic, with little room for metaphor or subjective interpretation. This provides a concrete, structured way of thinking that can bring clarity to complex systems.
This is where it beautifully intersects with philosophy and literature. While a programmer strives for a one-to-one relationship between a symbol and its meaning, a poet or philosopher thrives on the opposite. They explore words that hold multiple layers of meaning, using metaphor and narrative to delve into the complexities of being human. The two approaches are not opposed; they are complementary. The logical thinking from programming can help us structure philosophical arguments, while the humanistic wisdom from literature and philosophy ensures that the tools we build with code are used thoughtfully and ethically.
The psychologist Carl Jung warned of our modern world's excessive logocentrism, an overemphasis on purely technical or rational ways of knowing at the expense of other vital dimensions of human experience. We can become experts at building complex systems while losing touch with the wisdom, compassion, and deeper purpose that gives our lives meaning. By bringing these fields together, we learn to be both architects of technology and thoughtful stewards of our humanity. It's about ensuring that as our tools change us, they do so in a way that helps us flourish, rather than simply making us more efficient machines.
On Sophistry
What is sophistry? (Hint: it's not just a wise tree.) Today, the word has a negative reputation, often suggesting clever but misleading arguments. However, its origins are much more positive. In ancient Greece, the Sophists were respected traveling teachers of wisdom (from the Greek sophistēs). They taught vital skills like rhetoric, critical thinking, and how to construct a strong argument.
The philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche later pointed out that the ability to argue for different sides of an issue isn't a sign of dishonesty, but of intellectual strength. It shows you have a deep and flexible understanding. In this spirit, I consider myself a modern day sophist, recognizing that language is often ambiguous and that there are no easy claims to an "absolute truth." This is why true learning isn't about finding one right answer; it's about developing the skill to see a problem from many angles. This allows you to build strong arguments for your own views while also appreciating the complexity of the most important questions. My goal is to help you develop this flexible, multi-faceted way of thinking in every subject we explore.
