News and Events - Philosophy and Humanities

Hole Presents 'Finding Jung in the Symposium'

norrisma1 — Tue, 07 May 2013 13:40:27 +0000

Author:

Laurie Kaiser

Published Date:

May 7, 2013

George Hole, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor of philosophy and humanities and interim chair of mathematics, will examine love in its many forms during a reading at the C.G. Jung Center, 408 Franklin Street, on Wednesday, May 8, at 7:30 p.m.

“Finding Jung in the Symposium” examines the transformative nature of love and the constant search for the “other half” as demonstrated in Plato’s famous text.

“In Aristophanes’s speech, what you see is a longing for wholeness, where people recognize in some fashion that they are wounded, humiliated, and incomplete,” Hole said. “What is interesting is that these are Jungian concepts.”

Hole also noted that the dialogue is a “hero’s journey” and that he is delving into what archetypes may be present, the expressions from the unconscious, and the Socratic complex.

“Finding Jung in the Symposium” will be like “going on a bear hunt together,” explained Hole, who encourages participates to contribute to the discussion.

Hole's three-part reading session began May 1 and will conclude on May 15.

“Most participants have read the Symposium, but it is not necessary,” Hole said. “We discuss key passages, and as a group, explore it.”

With a Ph.D. in philosophy and a bachelor’s degree in physics, Hole has taught a wide range of philosophy courses at Buffalo State including "Zen Buddhism," "Love and Sex," "Existentialism," and "Philosophy as Therapy."

Mark Warford, associate professor of Spanish and foreign language education, who recently joined the board of the Analytical Psychology Society of Western New York (APSWNY), invited Hole to lead a session at the center, which the APSWNY oversees.

“Recently, in keeping with Carl Jung’s multidisciplinary approach to understanding the human mind, the center has made inroads with a variety of area groups, including instructors from Buffalo State and other area institutions of higher education whose scholarly work ties in with Jung’s archetypal perspective,” Warford said. “I’m very enthusiastic about more offerings in the 2013–2014 program that feature Buffalo State faculty.”

The sessions are open to the public. Tickets for each session are $5 for students, $8 for Jung Center members, and $10 for the general public.

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Faculty and Staff Appeal 2013: Sarah Caputi

norrisma1 — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 14:49:51 +0000

Author:

Laurie Kaiser

Published Date:

March 13, 2013

Sarah Caputi, ’13, fell in love with philosophy during her first class at SUNY Buffalo State.

By her sophomore year, she discovered another major she wanted to combine with her philosophy studies–urban and regional planning. After graduation, Caputi plans to pursue a Ph.D. in philosophy, applied ethics, or political science.

“I love academics, so I think it would be great to continue on and become a professor,” said Caputi, who grew up in Amherst and graduated from Christian Central Academy. “I also feel driven to help people, and enjoy the idea of working on public policy issues.”

Caputi understands the need to help others partially because she has received help herself. Due to her high academic performance, Caputi received the Presidential and All College Honors scholarships. She also is a recipient of the Hazel G. Macartney, United University Professionals (UUP), and the George T. Hole scholarships. All of these funds receive contributions from the annual Faculty and Staff Appeal.

“These scholarships have made a huge difference,” said Caputi, who is covering her own college tuition.

Caputi has made excellent use of the opportunities afforded to her at Buffalo State. She participated in the Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship where she explored the ethical implications of regionalism for Western New York as a general approach to planning. She also attended a graduate philosophy seminar last summer at the University of Colorado-Boulder, where she met well-known philosophers and studied epistemology.

Caputi noted that such experiences would not have been possible without the assistance of dedicated faulty members and generous donors.

To learn more about how you can contribute to the 2013 Faculty and Staff Appeal and make a difference in the lives of Buffalo State students, contact Louis Noce at (716) 878-3467. Download the complete list of funds.

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Insertion Date for Daily Bulletin Feature:

March 14, 2013

Ethics Bowl Team Gains Insight from Older Generation

norrisma1 — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 17:28:56 +0000

Author:

Laurie Kaiser

Published Date:

February 26, 2013

On February 21, members of SUNY Buffalo State’s Ethics Bowl Team debated the pros and cons of genetic testing against competitors at least two generations their senior—retirees from the Canterbury Woods Life Care Community in Williamsville.

In a spirited discussion, five philosophy students had the opportunity to discuss two hot topics (the other was student cheating) with former doctors, business professionals, and teachers from the retirement community. The residents shared insights honed by years of experience and historic knowledge. It marks the second time this year the Ethics Bowl Team has given a debate-style presentation at Canterbury Woods.

“It’s good to get critical feedback about our arguments,” said Casey Brescia, a senior philosophy major who served as the lead spokesperson on the genetics case. “It’s helpful and fun to be here.”

Joshua Demont, a Buffalo State senior, who at age 32 is the oldest member of the team, said the intergenerational perspective is crucial.

“I have huge respect for the experience that comes from the residents,” Demont said.

This particular intergenerational debate came at a pivotal time as the team is preparing for the Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl, February 28, in San Antonio, Texas. They will compete against 31 teams selected from 10 regional ethics bowls across the country. This is the first time the Buffalo State team has made it to the national level.

“I think the students get a lot of different perspectives from the residents here,” noted team coach Julian Cole (pictured at left), assistant professor of philosophy and humanities. “It is particularly helpful that the conversation is intergenerational as this brings students into contact with perspectives that, in some cases, they encounter infrequently.”

The visit is part of an ongoing relationship between the School of Arts and Humanities and Canterbury Woods, where many Buffalo State alumni happen to live. Every month, representatives from different academic disciplines give a presentation to the residents. Two members of the college’s Anne Frank Project recently shared experiences from their January travel to Rwanda. The Music Department’s Digital Music Ensemble will perform on innovative, recently invented instruments in March.

“Through our four-year Arts and Humanities Presentation Series at Canterbury Woods, we have made many good friends, and our students have gained invaluable presentation experience that will benefit them in their academic courses and future careers,” said Ben Christy, dean of the School of Arts and Humanities. “The Canterbury residents are always a gracious and participatory audience, and we are grateful for this opportunity to expand Buffalo State’s community outreach.”

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Buffalo State Team Advances to National Ethics Bowl Competition

norrisma1 — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 15:40:14 +0000

Author:

Laurie Kaiser

Published Date:

January 4, 2013

In a regional competition held December 1, the Buffalo State Ethics Bowl Team tackled such weighty topics as plagiarism, drug legalization, and animal research.

The 10 students served on two teams, presented their opinions with aplomb, and qualified to compete at a national level. At the 17th annual Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl, February 28 in San Antonio, Texas, Buffalo State will challenge 31 other teams selected from 10 regional ethics bowls across the country.

This is the fourth year the Buffalo State team has competed at the regional level but the first time it has advanced to national competition. The group's success is a testament to the determination of the students and to Julian Cole, assistant professor of philosophy and humanities, who coached the team for weeks, noted Kimberly Blessing, chair and associate professor of philosophy and humanities.

“What is remarkable is that Buffalo State was the only state school competing at the regional bowl,” Blessing said. “We competed against all private schools.”

That competition included teams from Colgate University, Dartmouth College, and St. John’s University.

Students were judged on their ability to deploy intricate ethical reasons in addressing a variety of cases from practical and professional ethics—exactly what they are required to do in Philosophy 351: Ethics Bowl, a class Cole developed four years ago. Along with their coursework, the students prepped after class and on weekends. Barbara Olsafsky, a local businesswoman who holds a Ph.D in education policy and leadership, and James Grunebaum, professor emeritus of philosophy, volunteered to help coach and judge practice competitions.

At the regional competition, members of the Association of Practical and Professional Ethics drew cases from current events.

“We didn’t know what questions the students would get,” Cole said. “They had two minutes to formulate their answer and 10 minutes to deliver it. The other team then had one minute to formulate a response and five minutes to deliver it.”

Buffalo State competitors included: Casey Brescia, Sarah Caputi, Troy Allen Caruana, Joshua Demont, Cassidy Karpovage, Daniel Stewart, Eric Szymborski, Jenna Tomasello, William Watkins, and Samantha Wezowicz.

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January 7, 2013

Scholarship Profile: Victoria Hahn, '13

norrisma1 — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 14:13:36 +0000

Published Date:

September 12, 2012

Zachary John Beveridge, '08, Scholarship Fund Recipient

By all accounts, Zachary Beveridge, '08, had the heart of a lion: strong, just, and caring. He loved life and he let it show.

After graduating from Buffalo State with a bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in coaching, Beveridge returned to his hometown of Oakdale, Long Island, where he worked for Allstate Insurance Company. He then decided to apply to become an officer with the New York Police Department. Tragically, just two weeks after passing the department’s physical exam, he suffered a ruptured aortic aneurysm. He passed away on Easter Sunday 2011 at the age of 24.

To honor Zachary’s memory, his family and friends established the Zachary John Beveridge, ’08, Scholarship Fund to provide financial assistance for students with a declared major in either the Philosophy and Humanities Department or the History and Social Studies Education Department and demonstrated, ongoing involvement in community service. Three students have benefited from the scholarship so far. One is Victoria Hahn, a junior social studies education major from Blasdell, New York.

"Being a recipient of this award is an honor," said Hahn, who works two jobs during the academic year and a third during the summer to make her Buffalo State education a reality. "In a way, I feel as if I could be carrying on a part of Zachary’s legacy."

Read the full story at 1300elmwood.buffalostate.edu.

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Insertion Date for Daily Bulletin Feature:

September 13, 2012

New Ethics Minor: Appropriate for Any Major

norrisma1 — Mon, 14 May 2012 17:51:41 +0000

Published Date:

May 14, 2012

In the ongoing battle of good versus evil, Batman, Superman, and all other superheroes can take a rest. Buffalo State’s Philosophy and Humanities Department is now offering a new ethics minor, which will empower students to “do good” in the paths that they pursue.

“We all want to be good at our professions, whether we’re a doctor, a teacher, a lawyer, and so on,” said Jason Grinnell, assistant professor of philosophy and humanities. “When we ask what it means to be good, we’re engaging in a conversation about ethics.”

The ethics minor is designed to engage students in courses that will sharpen their critical thinking skills and examine their societal and personal beliefs. With 18 required credit hours, it’s a manageable complement to a wide range of majors.

The minor consists of three required courses and three elective courses.

Students who declare an ethics minor will take Introduction to Moral and Social Philosophy (PHI102), and will choose between History of Ethics (PHI310) and Contemporary Ethics (PHI314). The third required course is Ethics Bowl (PHI351), which includes participation in a debate-style event at which students present opinions about complex ethical issues, and respond to arguments from other students and judges.

For their elective credits, students will have their choice of several upper-level courses, including cross-curricular courses such as bioethics. Because ethics is universally relevant, Grinnell is hoping to develop more courses that combine the philosophy program with other fields of study.

“I’m convinced that everything we do stems from some conception of ethics,” Grinnell said. “Anyone that is interested in thinking about the ethical aspects of their chosen profession should consider a minor in ethics.”

For more information about the ethics minor, contact the Philosophy and Humanities Department.

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