World philosopher visits Adelaide

Public Lectures

One of the world's most distinguished philosophers will present a series of public lectures at the University of Adelaide this month, examining the universal themes of truth, ethics and history.

Professor Simon Blackburn is an eminent British academic credited with bringing philosophy to the masses in an entertaining and accessible way.

Currently Professor of Philosophy at Cambridge University, he is a best-selling author and has a high media profile in the United Kingdom and United States.

Professor Blackburn has enjoyed a career spanning four decades on both sides of the Atlantic, teaching philosophy on all continents except the Antarctic.

Dr Philip Gerrans, Reader in the Philosophy Discipline at the University of Adelaide, described Professor Blackburn as "far and away the most entertaining and valuable philosopher on the current world stage".

"He has perfected the tricky ability to discuss serious and complex issues in an accessible and amusing way and has written a string of bestsellers as well as pouring out a stream of witty articles and reviews."

Professor Blackburn will present four public lectures at the University of Adelaide on September 3, 5, 7 and 10, made possible by the Gavin David Young Memorial bequest. He will discuss the themes of truth, ethics, history, and philosophy and the university.

"His talks promise to entertain, challenge and provoke widespread debate," Dr Gerrans said. "He expects his audience and readers to think hard, but he makes the process extremely rewarding."

Professor Blackburn has held visiting appointments at the University of Melbourne, University of British Columbia, US institutions Oberlin College, Princeton University and Ohio State University, the Universidad Autonomia de Mexico, and was for 10 years Adjunct Professor at the Australian National University in Canberra.

He is the author of 10 books, including his latest, Plato's Republic: A Biography, which has been lauded as "a dazzling introduction to Plato's greatest and most influential work by one of the world's most distinguished and accessible philosophers".

All lectures will be held in Napier Lecture Theatre 102 from 6pm-7.30pm. Truth (Monday 3 September), Ethics (Wednesday 5 September), History (Friday 7 September) and Philosophy in the University (Monday 10 September).

Story by Candy Gibson