29 April 2010

Dear Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellors

I wrote to Professor Esche yesterday, and also wanted to let you know that I am staggered by the news that you are planning to close the philosophy programmes at Middlesex. I was trained in political theory and philosophy before moving into geography, and Middlesex is one of the strongest philosophy departments in the country in the areas I worked in. Many of the best philosophers in the UK are employed in the deparment, and several across the world have studied there, spoken there or otherwise benefitted from its research excellence.

I can see no basis for this decision – it’s a successful department, providing high quality education and delivering excellence in research.

I strongly urge you to reconsider.

Yours sincerely

Stuart Elden

Professor Stuart Elden
Geography Department, Durham University
Editor, Society and Space (Environment and Planning D)