Category: Uncategorized

Some years have passed since we made the “Philosophy: Think about it” t-shirts. We figure it might be time for a new batch of T-shirts, and we’d like some broader input on two matters. First, let’s consider whether we should have T-shirts at all. Some have expressed the worry that it cheapens the degree, or might induce people into the Philosophy major who really don’t belong there. More substantive comments on this issue are welcome, but let’s have a poll:

Next, supposing we were to go with T-shirts, what should they say? Ideas?

Something to think about for the summer! The theme for the conference is “Nietzsche and Bourdieu (who? See here!), but papers are welcome in all areas.
NietzscheBourdieauFlyer

Call for applications:

Students are invited to apply for the fall 2012 Saint Socrates Society reading group.  This fall we will be discussing a collection of books on the topic “Education and its Ends.”  The meeting time for the fall 2012 group will be every Tuesday from 3:00-4:15pm.

We will read works from selected authors including Josef Pieper, Cardinal John Henry Newman, Allen Bloom, Martha Nussbaum, and Mortimer Adler.  Participants will post weekly reading reflections on the blog and participate in weekly discussions on the assigned readings.  While the reading group does not count for USU credit, students may get Honors credit through an Honors Contract.

Thanks to the generous support of the USU Honors Program, students will receive their program books for free.

More information about the reading group, expectations of students, and the reading list for this fall can be found at the website saintsocratessociety.com under the “About the Saint Socrates Society” link.

Application process:

Students of sufficient intellectual maturity who are eager to read, think, and discuss a challenging set of texts concerned with human questions can apply.

Applications should be submitted via email to harrison.kleiner@usu.edu.  Include as attachments to the email:
– A resume.  Your resume must include the following items: your contact information (phone, email, address); academic year; major; GPA; academic achievements; extra-curricular activities; the name and email address of a USU faculty member who can be contacted for a reference.
– Submit a list of at least 3 books that have helped to shape your self-understanding.

Finalists will be interviewed by a team composed of Dr. Harrison Kleiner and at least one other USU faculty member.

The priority deadline for applications has passed.  Until funding is exhausted, the application process will be a rolling one (apply as soon as you can).

Our own Richard Sherlock was featured in the Salt Lake Tribune this Saturday with a story on his conversion.

For those of you interested in how students responded to 2 weeks without glowing screens, I posted a recap and some selection from student reflections here on my blog.