29 April 2010

Dear Vice-Chancellor Driscoll, Deputy Vice-Chancellors Ahmad and House, and Dean Esche,

I am writing to express my surprise and dismay at the decision to close all the Philosophy programmes and to shut down the Centre for Research in Modern European Philosophy at Middlesex University.  These are difficult times for many universities, but this decision seems to me particularly unfortunate given the tremendous success of the Middlesex Philosophy programmes and the Centre, which have come to occupy a significant position in the philosophical field that extends well beyond your campus.  I have long respected the work of several members of the Philosophy faculty, and have recommended the MA programme to several of my undergraduate students who are considering continuing their philosophical education beyond their baccalaureate. I have also followed closely the work of the Centre over the years, and its closure will be a significant loss for many scholars whose research is focussed on Modern European Philosophy.

I am certain that I will not be alone in writing to you to ask that you reconsider this decision.  If you do reconsider, please know that it is not only the faculty and students at Middlesex that will be affected, indeed hurt by this decision.

Sincerely,

Alan D. Schrift
F. Wendell Miller Professor of Philosophy and Department Head
Department of Philosophy
Grinnell College