KU News Release

Doctoral student wins philosophy department’s Robinson Essay Contest

LAWRENCE — The Department of Philosophy at the University of Kansas awarded $300 to Nathan Colaner, a doctoral student in philosophy from Lawrence, for his entry in the Robinson Essay Contest.

The contest, open to undergraduate and graduate students at KU, welcomed submissions on any philosophical topic. Representatives from the department judged the entries.

Colaner’s essay, “Goodman's Very Old Riddle of Induction: Or, How Aristotle Refuted the Empiricists,” applies the thinking of American philosopher Nelson Goodman to the philosophy of Aristotle’s “Posterior Analytics.” Colaner argues that Aristotle addresses a problem much like one formulated by Goodman in the 1950s and proposes a way to solve it.

Jeremy DeLong, a master’s student in philosophy from Berryton, was the contest’s runner-up and received $200. His essay, “The Ultimate Trial in the Education of the Philosopher-Kings: Deprivation of Pure Contemplation,” addresses the philosopher-king’s choice, in Plato’s “Republic,” to lead a life of contemplation or a life of political leadership.

Colaner and DeLong were recognized at the department’s awards banquet May 6.

The Edward S. Robinson Memorial Award fund is managed by KU Endowment, the independent, nonprofit organization serving as the official fundraising and fund-management organization for KU. Founded in 1891, KU Endowment is the first foundation of its kind at a U.S. public university.

The winner and runner-up are listed below by hometown, degree program and previous schools attended.

DOUGLAS COUNTY
From Lawrence 66047
Nathan Colaner, doctoral student in philosophy; master’s degree in philosophy from KU; bachelor’s degree from Miami University.

SHAWNEE COUNTY
From Berryton 66409
Jeremy DeLong, master’s student in philosophy; Shawnee Heights Senior High School in Tecumseh.

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