Philosophy Prof. Crispin J.G. Wright has been named the James B. and Grace J. Nelson Professor of Philosophy.
His new appointment, effective Sept. 1, was approved by the Regents at their October meeting.
The Nelson Professorship was established last year, supported by an endowment set up in 1940 by a gift from James B. Nelson, who received a U-M law degree in 1893, and increased by subsequent gifts from Mr. and Mrs. Nelson and Julia-Jean Nelson Stokes.
“Prof. Wright is, quite simply, one of the most eminent philosophers of language and mind, and of mathematics, in the world,” said LS&A Dean Edie N. Goldenberg. “He has received numerous awards in recognition of his accomplishments in philosophical research and teaching.
“Prof. Wright also is the author of numerous highly acclaimed books and philosophical articles. This past summer he was elected a Fellow of the British Academy, a high honor.”
Wright joined the U-M faculty in 1988. He was on leave in 1990–92 while he held a British Academy Readership, a research position.
He was educated at Cambridge University where he received his B.A. degree in 1964 and his Ph.D. in 1968. He taught at Oxford University and at St. Andrews University in Scotland.
