The University of Rochester's Department of Philosophy is sponsoring a colloquium by David Lyons, a prominent professor of law and philosophy at Boston University, who will speak on "The Moral Opacity of Utilitarianism." The event will begin at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, in Room 2-110D of Dewey Hall on the River Campus.
Lyons will discuss difficulties in formulating a morally acceptable utilitarian theory in ethics. The departmental colloquium will include a discussion period and will be followed by a reception in 501 Lattimore Hall.
As part of the department's undergraduate speaker series, Lyons will also meet with John G. Bennett's undergraduate course in philosophy of law. He will discuss one of his most recent papers, "Original Intent and Legal Interpretation," with members of the class.
Lyons has written numerous articles in moral, legal, and political philosophy, with special emphasis on utilitarianism. He has received many honors and awards, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, three fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Clark Distinguished Teaching Award at Cornell University.