Recognizing the importance of providing a stimulating atmosphere for graduate study, we encourage informal discussion within the Department, sponsor a lecture series each year, and share in the support of interdisciplinary enrichment programs. The Department sponsors an annual lecture series and provides graduate students an opportunity to learn from and meet distinguished philosophers. Recent speakers include Julia Annas, Gerald Dworkin, Jerry Fodor, Clark Glymour, Susan Haack, Alison Jaggar, Jaegwon Kim, Patricia Kitcher, Phillip Kitcher, Ruth B. Marcus, John Perry, Alvin Plantinga, John Searle, Michael Slote and Stephen Stich.

The annual Utah Philosophy Colloquium, also sponsored by the department, brings a group of well-known philosophers to address a selected topic. The most recent topics ere: "What is Living and What is Dead in Analytic Philosophy?" and "Ethics and National Boundaries." In addition, the department, in association with the Colleges of Health and Law, and with the School of Medicine, sponsors regular conferences on ethics and health which bring distinguished applied ethicists to the university.

The Department also hosts other philosophy conferences. In March 1997, the department hosted the Humboldt Colloquium for leading Aristotle and Leibniz scholars from Germany and the U.S. In March of 1999, the Department hosted the annual conference of the Christian Philosopher's Society.

Additional Enrichment and Learning Resources include:

Tanner Lectures on Human Values - This series was founded in 1978 to "advance and reflect upon scholarly and scientific learning relating to human values and valuation." Permanent lectureships were established at Cambridge, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Oxford, and the universities of Michigan Utah. The Tanner Lectures brings internationally acclaimed scholars to the University of Utah. Recent lecturers include Joseph Brodsky, Evelyn Fox Keller, Elaine Pagels, Octavio Paz, Edward Said, Judith Shklar, Jonathan Spence and Cornel West.

Obert C. and Grace A. Tanner Humanities Center - The Tanner Humanities Center at the University of Utah regularly sponsors interdisciplinary activities of interest to students and faculty in philosophy. The Center offers fellowships to advanced Doctoral candidates, as well as to members of the faculty and visiting scholars.

Teaching Assistantships & Internships - The Department offers several teaching assistantships each year. In addition to an annual stipend and full tuition waiver, these positions provide the advanced student opportunities to develop teaching skills and be introduced to the profession of philosophy in the academic setting. The Department has 10 Teaching Assistantships for the 2000-2001 academic year.

Students may engage in research and internships in such areas as applied ethics (including medical, legal and environmental ethics), feminist theory, cognitive science and political thought. The department maintains close ties to the Colleges of Business and Law, as well as to the School of Medicine, which make it possible for students to pursue advanced professional degrees while working on master's or doctoral degrees in philosophy. The department also cooperates with the Department of Political Science and the Institute of Human Genetics in specialized interdisciplinary programs leading to the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees.

Tanner Library - The Department houses the first Obert C. Tanner Philosophy Library in the country. It provides a basic collection of books in philosophy, quiet study space for students, computer access, and a comfortable location for colloquia and other Departmental events.

Computer Lab - In addition to the computer facilities in the University libraries, the College of Humanities has provided a computer center with sophisticated equipment available to graduate students. The College of Humanities has also provided a computer lab within the Philosophy Department for use by graduate students.

Philosophy Club - Organized by graduate students, the Philosophy Club provides an open arena for students to present individual thesis/dissertation work and receive feedback from their peers. The Philosophy Club receives financial support from both the department and the Associated Students of the University of Utah (ASUU).

Faculty - Student Ratio - An excellent student-faculty ratio and a vibrant enrichment program both in and outside the department offers students the opportunity for close and informal contact with the faculty as well as for a stimulating atmosphere for graduate study. The Department currently has 19 full-time faculty members. Faculty and their areas of specialization are listed at Graduate Faculty.

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