Events (2021-2022)
In memory of our beloved graduate, Jesse L. Rowland ’16E, who passed away in September 2017, we share one of his many excellent papers. We will always remember Jesse's sweetness, generosity, and sparkling intellect.
> this year's events in photographs and audio
Events & Lectures Scheduled 2021-2022
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Philosophy Seminar Series 2021-2022
The format of the workshop is pre-read. Interested participants should contact Desi Williams for the paper, which will be made available 7-10 days in advance of the seminar date. It is expected that everyone in attendance will have read the paper. Accordingly, the speaker will give only a brief overview of their essential arguments before discussion begins.
Please mark your calendars for these speakers!
POSTPONED
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The Amherst Lecture in Philosophy
The fifteenth ALP Lecture will be presented by Louise Antony on March 24, 2022 in Pruyne Lecture Hall (pandemic permitting).
Professor Antony has provided the title and abstract as follows:
"The Importance of Being Partial: The Constructive Role of Bias in Human Life".
Abstract:
The term “bias” generally connotes a bad thing – an improper favoring of some viewpoint or person over others. But in its primary meaning, the term means simply “a bent or inclination.” I will argue that “bias,” in this neutral sense, plays a constructive – indeed, absolutely crucial -- role in human life. Cognitive biases make possible important epistemic achievements, like acquiring language and constructing scientific theories; affective biases enable us to create and maintain the particularistic emotional connections we need in order to thrive. These points, however, raise important questions. If epistemic bias is good, what makes racism, sexism, and other forms of pernicious bias bad? If partiality toward those we love is admirable, what becomes of justice's demand that we give equal moral concern to everyone? I will outline answers to these questions.
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2021-2022 Forry and Micken Lecture Series on “”
A lecture series funded by the Forry and Micken Fund in Philosophy and Science