Prof. Jonathan Lear, an esteemed philosopher and ethicist, has been announced as the speaker for the 2024 Nora and Edward Ryerson Lecture. The lecture, which will take place on April 2 at 5 p.m., will be held at the Rubenstein Forum's Friedman Hall. This annual event, organized by the University of Chicago, aims to recognize scholars who have made significant contributions to research.
The Ryerson Lecture has a long-standing tradition at the University of Chicago, with faculty nominating a peer who has made lasting contributions to their field. The lecture is not only open to the UChicago community but also to the general public, with a webcast available on the university's digital channels.
Expressing his gratitude for being chosen as the speaker, Prof. Lear, who holds the John U. Nef Distinguished Service Professorship, stated, "It is an honor to be invited to give the Ryerson Lecture. I am delighted and very much look forward to trying out some ideas with my colleagues."
Prof. Lear's expertise lies in exploring fundamental questions about the human condition and our ethical obligations. His unique approach combines philosophy and psychoanalysis, allowing him to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and the modern world. Through his extensive research and publications, Prof. Lear has shed light on complex philosophical issues for both general and scholarly audiences.
In his upcoming Ryerson Lecture, titled "Gratitude, Mourning, Hope and Other Forms of Thought," Prof. Lear will delve into the nuances of expressing gratitude. He explains, "One might think that 'thank you' is enough. It turns out to be more complicated than that. I want to see how gratitude fits with other thoughts I've had over the years about human flourishing and suffering."
Prof. Lear's contributions extend beyond academia, as he has also focused on contemporary issues. His book "Radical Hope: Ethics in the Face of Cultural Devastation" examines the challenges faced by Indigenous communities due to colonialism, while his latest publication, "Imagining the End: Mourning and Ethical Life," explores how we collectively mourn and find meaning in times of crisis and anxiety.
Having served as the inaugural Roman Family Director of UChicago's Neubauer Collegium for Culture and Society from 2014 to 2022, Prof. Lear has received numerous honors and grants throughout his career. He is also a member of the prestigious American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
The Ryerson Lecture series was made possible by the generous bequest of Nora and Edward Ryerson. Edward Ryerson, a former chairman of the University's Board of Trustees, aimed to create a platform for renowned scholars to share their insights. Previous lecturers have included experts from various fields, such as astronomy, political science, paleontology, economics, psychology, linguistics, anthropology, and physics.
Registration details for this year's Ryerson Lecture will be made available in the coming weeks. This highly anticipated event promises to provide an intellectual journey into the complexities of gratitude and its significance in our lives.
To find out more, go to this link: https://news.uchicago.edu/story/prof-jonathan-lear-examine-gratitude-2024-ryerson-lecture
