Bica: A Life Dedicated to Philosophy, Veteran Advocacy, and Moral Injury
The intersection of academic philosophy and the lived experience of war provides a unique lens through which to view the human condition. Bica, a scholar and veteran, has spent decades navigating this intersection, transforming his personal history into a professional mission to help others recover from the psychological and ethical scars of combat.
Academic Foundation and Teaching Career
Bica's intellectual journey began in Brooklyn, where he was born on January 7, 1947. He pursued a rigorous academic path, earning a Bachelor of Arts from Long Island University in 1968 and a Master of Arts from New York University in 1986. He further specialized his studies at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, obtaining a Master's of Philosophy in 1993 and a Ph.D. in Philosophy in 1995.
Since 1990, Bica has shared his expertise as a professor at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York City. His curriculum focuses on philosophy, peace studies, and the nature of war. His contributions to the institution were formally recognized in 2003 when he received the SVA Distinguished Scholar-Teacher Award.
Military Service and the Vietnam War
Bica's academic pursuits were punctuated by military service. In 1964, he entered the United States Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Class. Following his college graduation in 1968, he was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant. During his three years of active duty as a Marine Corps officer, he served 13 months with the 26th Marine Infantry Regiment during the Vietnam War.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
Advocacy and Veteran Recovery
The transition from active duty was a challenging process. After his discharge, Bica spent many years recovering from his experiences in Vietnam. This personal struggle led him to create systemic support for others. Alongside several fellow veterans, he spent six years coordinating the establishment of the Veterans Self-Help Initiative, also known as the HOOTCH Program, at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Brooklyn.
His commitment to peace and veteran welfare extends to organized activism. He is a long-time member of the Vietnam Veterans Against the War and serves as the coordinator for the Long Island chapter of Veterans For Peace.
Contributions to Literature and Ethics
Bica has become a prolific voice on the ethics of conflict and the psychological aftermath of war. He has authored over fifty articles focusing on social policy, the ethics of war, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event—and moral injury, which refers to the psychological distress resulting from actions that transgress deeply held moral beliefs.
His writings have appeared in the Humanist Magazine, various philosophical journals, and alternative news platforms including Truthout.org, OpEd News, Common Dreams, and AlterNet. He also launched the War Legacy Series, publishing Worthy of Gratitude: Why Veterans May Not Want to be Thanked for their Service in War in 2015, followed by Beyond PTSD: The Moral Casualties of War in early 2016.
Public Testimony and Current Work
In 2010, Bica contributed his perspective to the Truth Commission on Conscience in War, held at the Riverside Church in New York City. Today, he continues his research and advocacy as a member of the National Advisory Board of the Soul Repair Center. Based at the Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas, this think tank is dedicated to public education and research regarding recovery from moral injury sustained during war.
Key Facts
- Academic Credentials: Ph.D. in Philosophy (1995) and M.Phil (1993) from the Graduate Center of CUNY.
- Military Rank: Commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the US Marine Corps.
- Combat Experience: Served 13 months with the 26th Marine Infantry Regiment in Vietnam.
- Educational Impact: Professor at SVA since 1990; recipient of the Distinguished Scholar-Teacher Award (2003).
- Key Initiatives: Co-founded the HOOTCH Program (Veterans Self-Help Initiative).
- Current Role: National Advisory Board member of the Soul Repair Center.
| Year/Period | Achievement/Role | Institution/Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1968 | Bachelor of Arts | Long Island University |
| 1968-1971 | Marine Corps Officer | US Marine Corps (26th Marine Infantry Regiment) |
| 1986 | Master of Arts | New York University |
| 1990-Present | Professor | School of Visual Arts (SVA) |
| 1995 | Ph.D. in Philosophy | Graduate Center of CUNY |
| 2015-2016 | Author of War Legacy Series | Independent Publication |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HOOTCH Program?
The HOOTCH Program, also known as the Veterans Self-Help Initiative, is a support program Bica co-founded and coordinated for six years at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Brooklyn to assist veterans in their recovery.
What is the difference between PTSD and moral injury in Bica's work?
While PTSD is a clinical mental health condition resulting from trauma, moral injury refers to the specific psychological and spiritual distress caused by performing or witnessing acts that violate one's own moral code during war.
What are the titles of Bica's books in the War Legacy Series?
The series includes Worthy of Gratitude: Why Veterans May Not Want to be Thanked for their Service in War (2015) and Beyond PTSD: The Moral Casualties of War (2016).
What is the Soul Repair Center?
The Soul Repair Center is a think tank located at the Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas, which focuses on research and public education regarding recovery from moral injury sustained in war.
Which academic subjects does Bica teach at SVA?
Bica teaches courses centered on philosophy, peace studies, and war.