Endowed Lectureships

The Department is proud to bring to campus each year prominent and internationally recognized philosophers, through the generosity of alumni and friends.

Elton Lecture
The Elton Lectureship, along with the Elton Professorship, was endowed by Romeo Elton, professor of Classics at Brown University, and a personal friend of President Staughton of Columbian College. The Elton Lecture is offered annually on a philosophical subject of general public interest.

Goutman Lecture
The Goutman Lectureship is named in honor of Thomas J. Goutman, alumnus and benefactor, who is a distinguished attorney and former Chair of the Litigation Department at White and Williams, LLP, in Philadelphia. The Goutman Lecture is offered annually on a subject related to ethics, social and political philosophy, or public affairs.

Thacher Lecture
The Thacher Lectureship is named in honor of Michael Thacher, alumnus and General Manager, Emeritus, of Public Relations and Communications, UNOCAL Corporation. The Thacher Lecture is offered annually on a subject related to cognitive science, epistemology, logic, or philosophy of science and technology.