Robert C. Solomon Memorial Lecture hosted by the Department of Philosophy

Title: Temporal Considerations and Moral Relations with the Dead presented by Prof. Kathleen M. Higgins (University of Texas at Austin)
About this Event

Robert C. Solomon Memorial Lecture, our annual public lecture hosted by the Department of Philosophy in the Faculty of Arts and Education

This year's lecture will be presented by Prof. Kathleen M. Higgins (University of Texas at Austin).

Title: Temporal Considerations and Moral Relations with the Dead

Abstract:
Our moral relations with other people typically occur against a temporal backdrop in which we consider such matters as how our behavior will affect them and how they will respond to our actions. The absence of the dead from on-going time ensures that we cannot have the same kind of moral relations with them as we do with the living. Moral relations seem to require reciprocity, but we may wonder how they might exist in connection with the dead, given that relationships with them appear one-sided. Although the dead are unable to respond to us, we can understand our relations with them as reciprocal by regarding them in terms of our respective relational roles. Doing so enables us to take a morally invested stance toward them and to envision them relationally. This approach does not help us specify precise obligations we have toward the dead, but it does suggest certain regulative ideals that can guide our continuing relationships with them. The vagueness of the guidance we gain from this approach is apt, given the discrepancy between our temporality and the non-temporal status of the dead. Recognizing this discrepancy can have a beneficial effect on our relationships with the dead by dissipating moral distress over the alleged “paradox of grief,” the puzzle that grief over the death of a loved other typically abates, even though the death is a permanent fact.

Date: Tuesday, 28th July 2026
Time: 6pm-7pm
Venue: Old Government House Lecture Theatre (102-G36), 24 Princes Street

Following the lecture, please join us for a reception with refreshments. This will be a great opportunity to continue the conversation with the speaker and catch up with colleagues, students, alumni, and friends of the department.

Reception:
Old Government House, Members Lounge

The Robert C. Solomon Memorial Lecture celebrates the legacy of Robert C. Solomon and brings distinguished philosophers to share their work with our wider community. We would be delighted if you could join us, and we warmly encourage you to invite others who may be interested.