Providence, R.I.--Approximately 100 people gathered at Providence College recently for the 5th Annual New England Undergraduate Philosophy Conference.

Sponsored by the Providence College Philosophy Club, the April 25 event consisted of paper presentations by students from 11 colleges and universities. Paper topics ranged from moral discourse and ethical relativism to Augustine's Confessions and Sartrean existentialism. PC students prepared and presented responses to the papers, and faculty members served as moderators.

In addition to PC, the student presenters came from colleges as far away as Maine, Delaware, and Georgia.

Dr. Eric Palmer, associate professor of philosophy at Allegheny (Pa.) College, delivered the conference's keynote address. Palmer earned his bachelor's degree from Carleton University and his master's and doctoral degrees from the University of California at San Diego.

A specialist in the areas of applied ethical theory, the history of philosophy, and the relationship between philosophy and science, Palmer has conducted research on political sovereignty, human rights, and social contracts.

His most recent publication focused on corporate responsibility, which was the subject of his address at the conference, "Corporate Responsibility: What Would Milton Friedman Do?"

Palmer argued that many forms of corporate activity actually undermine freedom and do not contribute any social value, perhaps rendering them incompatible with the views of Friedman and other free-market theorists.

Gina Santiago '09 of Philadelphia, Pa., president of the Philosophy Club, was pleased with both the impressive turnout and the quality of the work. The group has been planning the event for most of the year.

"The conference went very smoothly, showcasing exceptional undergraduate work in philosophy," she said.

Dr. Christopher Arroyo, assistant professor of philosophy, served as a moderator for the conference. He said the conference's goal is to encourage people to get together and talk about philosophy "in an environment that is welcoming, collegial, and rigorous."

"I think this year's conference successfully continued that tradition thanks to the efforts of the conference committee, in general, and Gina Santiago, in particular," he said. 

  - Joe Miller '10

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