Greetings from the UW Department of Philosophy! As classes for the Autumn term begin, the hallways of Savery are brimming with energy after the quiet of summer. Faculty members are preparing their classes while students arrive with enthusiasm, renewed energy, and sometimes a little confusion.
Autumn is a time of transition. We are especially happy to welcome five new PhD students into our community. At the same time, with sadness we acknowledge the passing of… Read more
This year we were honored to have alumnus Nick Hanauer, BA 1981, address the philosophy graduating class at our annual graduation reception. Nick is a successful businessman and entrepreneur, having founded, managed, or financed over 30 companies. In addition, Nick devotes the majority of his time to a broad portfolio of civic and philanthropic activities. He is a… Read more
At the UW Department of Philosophy’s 2018 graduation reception, entrepreneur and social change advocate Nick Hanauer (BA, Philosophy, 1981) spoke about the enduring value of a philosophy degree. Through footnoted phrases, see how his speech reflects Hanauer's own experiences.
I am so pleased to be here and profoundly flattered to be asked to speak to you today. But sadly, I doubt I was invited because of my significant contribution to modern… Read more
The summer brings pools, beaches, travel, barbecues and, most importantly, books! Here are some recommendations of books our faculty have read or are looking forward to reading this summer to add to your list.
Michael Blake
Just Married: Same Sex Couples, Monogamy, and the Future of Marriage by Stephen Macedo
One thing I’m trying to read right now, in the aftermath of the… Read more
The philosophy for children movement builds on children's curiosity about the world around them and helps young students to develop critical questioning and thinking skills through exploring philosophical topics. In philosophical discussions, children explore a wide variety of issues related to ethics, justice, freedom, mind, perception, knowledge, and aesthetics. Given its critical dialogical methods, and its emphasis on respectful engagement on contentious issues that matter to students,… Read more
On June 8th, the Department of Philosophy celebrated the graduates of the class of 2018 at the UW Center for Urban Horticulture. Together, the students earned seventy bachelor’s degrees and one doctoral degree in philosophy, Alumnus Nick Hanauer (BA ’81) delivered our graduation reception address and spoke to the graduates about the value of his philosophy degree, telling them:
“You graduates all go into the world at a very interesting and challenging moment in American history.… Read more
The Department of Philosophy continued its tradition this year of celebrating our award recipients with an Awards Reception held in our department home Savery Hall. Awards were given to recipients by faculty members who shared personal experiences they have had with the award recipients in the classroom and during office hours to the delight of family and friends.
Thank you to our many alumni and friends who make it possible for us to support our undergraduate and graduate students, and faculty… Read more
(This article was originally published on the Simpson Center website.)
Philosopher Charles W. Mills spoke on "Liberalism and Racial Justice" in a Katz Distinguished Lecture in the Humanities on Wednesday, May 16, in Kane Hall 210. The lecture is part of year-long series on… Read more
It is with great sadness we share that Professor Robert Coburn passed away on July 27, 2018. Bob was a beloved and vital member of the department and his memory will remain vibrant for many years to come. His deep voice and broad smile, friendship, and good judgment were cherished by his colleagues and added tremendously to the department.
The memorial will be held on October 13th at 1:00pm at The Center for Urban Horticulture, 3501 NE 41st Street, Seattle, WA 98105.
His colleagues, Clark… Read more