Endowed Lectureships

Three men standing together in front of a whiteboard, with Eduardo Mendieta in the center

Generous alumni and friends of the Department of Philosophy have made possible four different endowed lectureship funds. Each year, the campus community is invited to hear prominent philosophers speak on their work and on the current applications of philosophical study. 

 


Upcoming Events

 

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Elton Lecture

The Elton Lectureship, along with the Elton Professorship, was endowed by Romeo Elton, a professor of classics at Brown University. Elton was a good friend of William Staughton, the first president of the original Columbian College before it became the George Washington University. The Elton Lecture is delivered annually on a philosophical subject of general public interest.

 

Watch the 2024 Elton Lecture

 


Griffith Lecture

The Griffith Lectureship honors William B. Griffith, former professor and chair of the Philosophy Department. The lectureship was formerly named after Thomas Goutman, BA ’76, a distinguished attorney and benefactor of the department. The Griffith Lecture was renamed at Goutman’s request and is delivered annually on a subject related to ethics, social and political philosophy or public affairs.

 

Watch the 2023 Griffith Lecture

 


Thacher Lecture

The Thacher Lectureship was established in 2003 through the financial support of Michael Thacher, BA ’70, a former public affairs manager for global energy company Unocal Corporation. The Thacher Lecture is offered annually on a subject related to cognitive science, epistemology, logic, or philosophy of science and technology. 

 

Watch the 2024 Thacher Lecture

 


Sophia Lecture

This lecture series was funded by GW Philosophy Department alumna Brook J. Sadler to support early to mid-career women and/or philosophers from minority groups. As a philosophy professor herself, Sadler wished to recognize the excellent scholarship of younger women through a public lecture that would help advance their careers. The Sophia Lecture aims to inspire other philosophy departments to likewise showcase the scholarship of women and minority philosophers.

 

Watch the 2022 Sophia Lecture

 


Upcoming Endowed Lectures

There are currently no events available.

 

 


Past Endowed Lectures

Thacher Endowed Lecture

Friday, 3/3/2023, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

 

Elton Endowed Lecture

Friday, 1/27/2023, 9:00pm - 11:59pm

  

Sophia Endowed Lecture

Friday, 11/18/2022, 9:00pm - 11:59pm

 Bailey Thomas delivered the GW Philosophy Department's 2022 Sophia Lecture

Griffith Endowed Lecture

Alex Voorhoeve

Friday, 11/4/2022, 8:00pm - 11:59pm

  

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2022 Elton Lecture: Lewis R. Gordon

Friday, 4/8/2022, 4:00pm - 11:59pm

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2022 Thacher Lecture: Elisabeth Camp

Friday, 3/25/2022, 7:30pm - 11:59pm

2022 Thacher Lecture: Elisabeth Camp

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2022 Sophia Lecture: Emma Velez

Friday, 2/11/2022, 9:00pm - 11:59pm

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2021 Griffith Lecture: Manuel Vargas

Friday, 11/19/2021, 9:00pm - 11:59pm

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2020 Elton Lecture: Sally Haslanger

Friday, 3/6/2020, 8:30pm - 11:59pm