Prestigious appointment for philosopher

A philosopher at the University of St Andrews has become the first Scots-based academic to lead a major body founded by leading British philosopher Bertrand Russell.

Professor John Haldane, Professor Haldane is Director of the Centre for Ethics, Philosophy and Public Affairs at St Andrews, has been elected Chairman of the Royal Institute of Philosophy.

The Royal Institute was founded in 1925 by leading public philosophers of the day, Samuel Alexander, Alfred Balfour, LT Hobhouse, Harold Laski, and Bertrand Russell. Its objectives are ‘to organise and promote by teaching, discussion and research the advancement of Philosophical Studies’.

There have only been four previous Chairmen: Sir David Ross, Provost of Oriel College, and Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University; HD Lewis, Professor of the History and Philosophy of Religion Kings College London; Lord Sutherland, Vice-Chancellor of London University and Principal of Edinburgh University; and Ted Honderich, Grote Professor of Mind and Logic, University College London.

Professor Haldane, also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, commented, “It is an honour to be elected to the chairmanship of the Royal Institute of Philosophy. From its establishment by such figures as Bertrand Russell and Lord Balfour the Institute has played an important role in bridging the gap between the academy and broader public interest in the problems, challenges and insights offered by philosophy, perhaps the oldest intellectual discipline.”

ENDS

Issued by the Press Office, University of St Andrews Contact Gayle Cook, Senior Communications Manager on 01334 467227 / 462529, mobile 07900 050 103, or email [email protected]

Ref:  Haldane appt 071210

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