You reached this page through the archive. Click here to return to the archive.

Note: This article is over a year old and information contained in it may no longer be accurate. Please use the contact information in the lower-left corner to verify any information in this article.

Annual Belgum Lectures to focus on virtue, happiness

By Anna Stevens '10
March 10, 2008

Does virtue lead to happiness? The idea that a balanced life that is morally pleasing leads to happiness or contentment is one that University of Arizona Professor of Philosophy Julia Annas will explore during the upcoming Belgum Lectures.

JuliaAnnas
Annas
Annas, a professor at the University of Arizona, will speak about Virtue and Happiness for the 29th annual Belgum Lectures. The first lecture is titled "Do the Virtues Form a Unity?" and will be held Monday, March 17, at 7 p.m. in Holland Hall 501. The second is titled "Does Virtue Make You Happy?" and will be held Tuesday, March 18, at 3:30 p.m. in the same location. A book signing will take place after each lecture. The two lectures are related but may be understood independently. They are free and open to the public.

A fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Annas is also the founder and former editor of the annual journal Oxford Studies in Ancient Philosophy. Annas' current research interests are contemporary virtue ethics and the resources we can find for this in ancient ethical thinking. The author of numerous books, Annas' recent works include The Morality of Happiness (1993), Platonic Ethics, Old and New (1999), Ancient Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction (2000) and Plato: A Very Short Introduction (2003).

Besides being one of the leading voices of philosophy in the English-speaking world, Annas was a classmate and friend of Eunice Belgum's at Harvard University, where both specialized in ancient Greek philosophy. Annas is also familiar with Northfield after serving as the Cowling Visiting Professor at Carleton College.

Belgum Lectures
Established in honor of Eunice Belgum '67, the yearly lectures remember an Ole with a passion for philosophy of the mind, ethics and feminism. The lectures can be on any topic, but the philosophy department annually selects topics thought to have been of special interest to Belgum. The lectures are supported by a fund established by Eunice Belgum's family and friends.

Contact Kari VanDerVeen at 507-786-3970 or vanderve@stolaf.edu.