Yale Philosopher to Speak at Commencement

Christian philosopher and Yale Professor Dr. Nicholas Wolterstorff will speak at Westmont’s 2004 commencement 10 a.m. May 8 at Russell Carr Athletic Field on campus.

Wolterstorff’s speech, entitled “Called or Occupied?” will explore choosing between looking for an occupation and looking for what you are called to do.

“When students leave college and look for a job, do you just look for an occupation, or do you look for what you might be called to do? In short, how do you choose?” Wolterstorff said.

Wolterstorff received his bachelor’s degree from Calvin College and a master’s and Ph.D in philosophy from Harvard University. He is the recipient of three honorary doctorates.

The Noah Porter professor of philosophical theology at Yale University Divinity School, Wolterstorff has served as president of the American Philosophical Association and the Society of Christian Philosophers. After concentrating on metaphysics at the beginning of his career, he spent many years working primarily on aesthetics and philosophy of art.

In more recent years, he has concentrated on epistemology, philosophy of religion and political philosophy. Wolterstorff teaches courses in philosophy of religion and aesthetics and directs seminars in epistemology, hermeneutics and philosophy of religion.

The author of nine books, Wolterstorff is best known for “Lament for a Son,” a reflection written in brief vignettes about the premature death of his 25-year-old son and the experience of grieving. Writing the narrative as a loving father mourning his son, he acknowledges that every event is an occasion for remembering, for meditating, for Job-like anguish in the struggle to accept and understand. He wrote the book “in the hope that it will be of help to some of those who find themselves with us in the company of mourners,” Wolterstorff said.

Approximately 345 seniors are expected to graduate. Commencement is open to the public, but parking is limited. Those planning to attend are urged to arrive early.

For more information, contact the public affairs office at (805) 565- 7057 or email pubaffairs@westmont.edu. For directions to campus, visit the college Web site: www.westmont.edu.