PULLMAN, Wash. — A noted author and philosopher will address the apparent contradiction of both fatalism and self-determination in Fredrich Nietzsche’s work at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11, in Washington State University’s Bryan Hall Auditorium.
Professor Robert C. Solomon of the University of Texas at Austin will explore how the 19th century German philosopher could be considered an early individualist who advocated “self making” and yet subscribe to a number of harsh doctrines which might be described as “fatalism” or “biological determination.” Solomon’s discussion, “Nietzsche’s Fatalism,” is the 40th annual Potter Memorial Lecture.
He will also give the keynote address at the Annual Northwest Conference on Philosophy, 4 p.m. Oct. 12, in the Junior Ballroom of the Compton Union Building at WSU. The address is free and open to the public. The conference is noon – 4 p.m. Oct. 12, and 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Oct. 13 in the CUB.
Solomon has authored 16 books and more than 150 articles on a wide range of subjects including continental thinkers, the nature of love and justice, business ethics and American university education. He earned a bachelor’s in molecular biology at the University of Pennsylvania and master’s and doctorate degrees in philosophy and psychology at the University of Michigan.
The Frank Fraser Potter Memorial Lectureship was initiated in 1959, shortly after the WSU professor’s death. Potter began teaching Latin, Greek, Italian and philosophy at what was then Washington State College in 1912 and is remembered for his concern for students.
