Summer 2020

Dear Philosophy alumni, friends, and supporters,

I hope you and your families are safe and well.

As this is my first Colloquy as chair of the Department of Philosophy, I am grateful for your support during these unprecedented times.

Despite the extraordinary circumstances of the year, the Philosophy faculty, graduate students, and staff all rose to the occasion. Thanks to the generous Kaplan Panzer Philosophy Endowment, the Department was able to hold events during the past fall and beginning of winter term. We hosted the “Defeasible Inference in Philosophy and Artificial Intelligence” workshop, co-hosted with UCLA Classics a history colloquium with Alison Keith (University of Toronto), as well as an intense workshop on a book manuscript on Aristotle’s De Anima by our former colleague, Sean Kelsey. We managed to get this in just before the university closed in-person meetings. However, several events over the spring quarter had to be postposed, but we hope that we shall be able to resume events sooner rather than later.

This issue features informative contributions from our Philosophy faculty, students, and alumni. Lecturer and alumnus Steve Levy recounts his UCLA experience and memories both as a student and then teacher, Colleen Hanson discusses her experience as a first-year graduate student, alumnus Dustin Osborne explains how his philosophical education significantly contributed to his life and career, and undergraduates Alejandro Faz and Nikki Baldemor share their passion for the major and respect for the dedicated, inspiring faculty.

To keep abreast of the times, and to respect the environment, this newsletter, Colloquy, will be transitioning from print to digital starting with this edition. If you prefer to receive a printed copy, please email philosophyalumni@humnet.ucla.edu. In addition, please consider joining philosophy’s Alumni Network at philosophy.ucla.edu/alumni-friends if you have not already done so.

I look forward to the time when we can all re-connect in person–may it be soon! We hope to see you at our colloquia, conferences, and special lectures when that time comes. As always, your support and involvement continue to enrich the philosophical education we offer.

Keep well and be safe!

Gavin Lawrence
Chair, UCLA Department of Philosophy