Beck essay collection produced by Press

A newly published collection of 12 essays by Lewis White Beck reflects the late philosopher's wide range of study and influence. Essays by Lewis White Beck: Five Decades as a Philosopher was edited by a College alumnus, prefaced by a current faculty member, and produced by the University of Rochester Press.

Beck, who founded the College's doctoral program in philosophy, was a world-renowned expert on Immanuel Kant. During his lifetime he published two books examining the work of the German philosopher, but never completed his plan of publishing a collection on other topics that engrossed him: history, science, literature, and astronomy.

Twelve of his essays are included in the recently published volume, which was edited by Predrag Cicovacki. Cicovacki, who received his doctorate from the College, is associate professor of philosophy at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass.

The essays are collected for the first time but were originally published as early as 1939 and as late as 1993, chronicling a lifetime of Beck's work. They treat a wide range of topics in art, literature, empirical science, time, and even extraterrestrial life. A complete bibliography of Beck's publications and his own account of how he became a philosopher are included in the volume.

The collection is prefaced by a tribute from Robert Holmes, professor of philosophy, who paints a personal and professional picture of Beck through several anecdotes and observations.

Beck, who died in 1997, joined the College faculty in 1949 as professor of philosophy and chair of a two-person department, including himself. Under his guidance, the College's philosophy doctoral program gained international recognition.