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University Daily Kansan
Thursday, April 29,1965
HOPE Winner Is 'Pied Piper'
By Harihar Krishnan
Richard T. DeGeorge, professor of philosophy and winner of the HOPE (Honor for the Outstanding Progressive Educator) award yesterday, has an attitude toward teaching which might be described as the "Pied Piper of Hamelin" view.
The HOPE award is an honor that KU seniors bestow on a full-time faculty member who makes the greatest contribution to the welfare of the students by providing help, stimulation and the challenge to think.
Asked how he believes he helps his students, he replied, "By re-thinking the problem areas in philosophy, I bring the students along with me. In doing this, you must realize, I also gain something."
Prof. DeGeorge, at 32, is a full-time professor, a position which he has achieved in a period of five years.
WHAT WAS IT that drew him to the field of philosophy?
At the time when he began his higher education, he did not plan to study philosophy.
"I can say it was just by accident that I got interested in philosophy," he said.
"In the beginning I was interested in international relations. But when I entered the University of Louvain (Belgium), I discovered that the department for international relations did not have adequate facilities for research. At the same time I discovered that they had an excellent department for philosophy. I guess this is what led me to study philosophy."
Prof. DeGeorge, who is a specialist in the areas of metaphysics, ethics and Soviet philosophy, considers the theory of existentialism an important tool to evaluate the Marxist concept of history and individuality.
A period spent in Europe studying apart from giving intellectual enlightenment, also infused in him the spirit of internationalism, Prof. De-George said.
ASKED WHAT HE considered as his political philosophy, he replied, "Right now I am very dissatisfied with the way the so-called democratic process functions in this country. I don't think we have understood the philosophy of democracy."
His fascination with Soviet philosophy and society has been one of the contributing factors in his becoming an expert on Soviet philosophy. Among his numerous publications on the Soviet Union, the outstanding ones are "Pattern of Soviet Thought" and "Soviet Value Theory—A Western Confrontation."
He is of the firm conviction that Marxism and Marxist studies should be paid more attention by the Kromlinologists and other Soviet affairs experts.
"It is a real force." he said. "Soviet leaders have successfully used Marxism and Leninism in developing the thinking of their people. This should be studied more in order that we may be able to evaluate their society better."
After his return from Europe, he entered Yale University and by 1959 he had a master of arts and a doctoral degree. His doctoral dissertation was on the topic of "Solitude and Communion in Metaphysics."
But between his return from Europe and his entry into Yale University, a very interesting incident occurred, which, according to Prof. DeGeorge, has been "the most pleasant accident" in his life.
"IT WAS ON board the ship, that I met my wife," he said. "She was returning from France where she had gone to do research as a Fulbright scholar in French literature. At that time I was returning from Belgium. We got married in Washington, D.C."
Not satisfied with the numerous publications which he has authored, Prof. DeGeorge is currently working on two books. When they are published, they will carry the titles of "Soviet Ethics and Morality" and "Marxism and Existentialism."
Asked how he happened to come to KU, he said, "I always wanted to see the Midwest. When I came here, I liked what I saw. So I decided to stay."
Before coming to KU, Prof. De-George served in the army, and was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
He served there as an intelligence and interrogating officer.
"I was an interrogating officer all right," he said. "But I had nobody to interrogate. I was mostly doing translation work at Fort Bragg."
PROF. DEGEORGE IS not only a philosopher, but also a linguist. He is fluent in Russian, Italian, French and German.
Germany In 1962-63, he again went to Europe for a research study. This time he was at the Institute for East European Studies at Fribourgat in Switzerland.
Relating to this, he said, "While there I got a chance to go to the Soviet Union. I spent a month in the country. I went to several different places and it was a very rewarding experience."
According to him the Soviet people are very enlightened and are very proud of their country and its achievements.
"It was completely contrary to what I had always believed," he said. "I found the standard of living higher than what I had expected. They all support their regime very strongly and are proud of their socialist system."
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He went as a delegate to the 13th International Congress of Philosophy in Mexico City. Here he presented a paper on Soviet Society. He considers his trip to Mexico as another memorable chapter in his life.
APART FROM HIS travels in Europe, he also travelled in South America.
Prof. DeGeorge will take a sabbatical leave. He has been invited to Columbia University and he hopes to spend one year there.
Applications for membership on the College Intermediary Board are due May 5th. Any sophomore or junior in the College may apply, according to Letha Schwiesow, Shawnee Mission senior and board member.
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Letters of application should contain the student's class, major, grade point average, and any suggestions or ideas for the board to work on.
These application letters should be sent or brought to 206 Strong Hall or given to current Intermediary Board members.
MISS SCHWIESOW SAID that the Board acts as an intermediary agent between the students and administration and discusses and acts upon student problems. It also sponsors the College Bowl.
Approximately six new members for the Intermediary Board will be selected by present members, she explained.
Interviews for those applying will be May 8th and 9th. Additional information can be obtained from the presidents of campus living groups or Intermediary Board members.
Creeley Will Read "For Love" Poems
Robert Creeley, contemporary poet, will read from his poetry collection, "For Love," at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Jayhawk Room of the Kansas Union.
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"For Love." is the only complete collection of Creeley's poetry.
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