UNCA Kicks Off Annual Philosophy Lecture Series

Walter Ziffer, Holocaust survivor and UNC Asheville College for Seniors instructor, will kick off UNCA’s annual philosophy lecture series with a talk on "Violence and the Holocaust," at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, at UNCA’s Kellogg Center, 11 Broyles Rd., Hendersonville. An open discussion will follow his talk.

Ziffer was born in Czechoslovakia and educated at Vanderbilt University, the Graduate School of Theology at Oberlin College and the University of Strasbourg in France where he earned a doctorate. He is the author of more than 50 articles on theology and Bible study and the 1990 book "Teaching of Disdain," which traces the New Testament origins of anti-Semitism.

The program is part of the year-long, nine-part series co-sponsored by UNCA’s Philosophy Department and the Institute for Applied Philosophy. The series, "Analyzing Violence and Terror," is designed to foster discussion on philosophically significant issues of the day. All events are open to the public. A donation of $5 will be suggested at the door.

Additional topics and speakers are:

-- October 1: "Violence and Compassion," Melissa Burchard, UNCA assistant professor of philosophy

-- November 5: "Responses to Terrorism and Civil Rights," Carmela Epright, Furman University assistant professor of philosophy

-- December 3: " ‘Just War’ Theories," Gordon Wilson, UNCA Philosophy Department chair and professor

-- January 14: "The Existentialists’ Responses to War," Duane Davis, UNCA associate professor of philosophy

-- February 4: "American and International Legal Theories on War," Brian Butler, UNCA assistant professor of philosophy

-- March 3: "Pacifism and Eastern Philosophical Traditions," Keya Maitra, UNCA assistant professor of philosophy

-- April 7: "Patriotism," Melissa Burchard, UNCA assistant professor of philosophy

-- May 5: Presentation by a UNCA student

For driving directions, call the Kellogg Center at 828/890-2821. For more information about the series, call the Institute for Applied Philosophy at 828/891-5068.

Media Contacts:

• Dr. Gordon Wilson, UNCA Philosophy Dept. Chairman and Professor, 828/251-6349
• Jill Yarnall, UNCA Public Information Assistant Director, 828/251-6526