Community News & Press Releases

Join Us in Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Pete Gunter On Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 3:00 PM, we invite you to join Sheila Gunter in celebrating the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of her beloved father and our cherished friend, Pete A. Y. Gunter, Prof. Emeritus. The event will be held both in person and online via Zoom, making it accessible to all who wish to honor his memory. Event Details Date and Time: Saturday, May 25, 2024 3:00 PM Physical Location: University of North Texas Environmental Education, Science and Technology Building Room 110 1704 W. Mulberry (at the corner of Ave C) Parking is available at the back, free to the public on Saturdays. Online Attendance: If you cannot join us in person, you are welcome to attend online via Zoom. Please use the following details to join the meeting: Zoom Meeting: https://unt.zoom.us/j/83574411205?pwd=dlBrVVRjVEkwSVJNL1lLd2EzOXNSUT09#success Password: Bergson RSVP: If you would like to RSVP through the Facebook event, https://www.facebook.com/events/1131622094692153/ We look forward to seeing you and celebrating this remarkable man’s life together. A Life of Service, Scholarship, and Passion Pete A. Y. Gunter was born on October 20, 1936, in Hammond, Indiana, and died on March 6, 2024, at Medical City in Dallas. Throughout his life, Pete embodied the spirit of Texas, having moved to the state at the age of 10 and embracing its culture and landscape. His writings, both fiction and non-fiction, captured the essence of Texas and the Red River region, reflecting his deep connection to the land and its history. Academic and Professional Achievements Pete's academic journey was illustrious. After finishing high school in Houston, he graduated from the University of Texas in 1958. He was a Marshall Scholar at Cambridge University, where he earned a BA in 1960. Pete completed his Ph.D. at Yale in 1963, focusing on the philosophy of French Nobel Laureate Henri Bergson. He began his teaching career at Auburn University and later at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In 1970, Pete became the first Chair of the newly established Department of Philosophy at the University of North Texas. His visionary leadership helped UNT become a pioneer in environmental philosophy, emphasizing Texas Land Ethics and interdisciplinary approaches. A Legacy of Activism and Environmentalism Pete was a passionate environmentalist, instrumental in the designation of the Big Thicket in Southeast Texas as the nation’s first Biological Preserve. His dedication to this cause involved politicking, lobbying, fundraising, and advocacy, leaving an indelible mark on environmental preservation. Contributions to Philosophy and Music As a leading expert on Henri Bergson, Pete’s scholarly work spanned philosophy, environmental science, physics, biology, ethics, and education. His final book, Getting Bergson Straight (2023), highlighted Bergson’s contributions to science. Pete also had a love for music, composing folk-imbued classical pieces and writing philosophical parody lyrics. Personal Life and Community Involvement Pete is survived by his spouse Liz and daughter Sheila, both of Denton. He was a devoted family man, beloved teacher, and colleague. Pete's contributions to the profession of academic philosophy were significant, particularly through his long-term work with the Foundation for the Philosophy of Creativity. For more information, please visit https://petegunter.net. Join us in remembering and honoring Pete Gunter’s remarkable life and contributions.

Congratulations to Diego Mantoan, the author of the book "Lionello Perera: An Italian Banker and Patron in New York" for receiving a review appearing in the journal 'Italian Canadiana', VOLUME 38.1 / SPRING 2024. Reviewer: Paul Baxa, Ave Maria University: [...] there is much to be gained from Mantoan’s book and, hopefully, it will serve to inspire other biographies of less-well-known shapers of the Italian-American community. [Extract from book review appearing on the journal 'Italian Canadiana', VOLUME 38.1 / SPRING 2024. Reviewer: Paul Baxa , Ave Maria University; https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/italiancan/index] Read more about the book here: "Lionello Perera: An Italian Banker and Patron in New York"

Discover the Intellectual Odyssey of Western Civilization in Our Latest Podcast Episode In our newest episode , available now on the New Books Network, we explore the provocative and enlightening themes of Professor Hippokratis Kiaris’s book, "The End of Western Civilization? The Intellectual Journey of Humanity to Adulthood." This episode offers listeners a unique opportunity to explore the cyclical nature of history and the intellectual evolution that has shaped Western thought through the centuries. Summary The podcast episode delves into the intellectual and philosophical exploration of the Western civilization's journey from its inception to its current "adulthood" stage, guided by the insightful narrative and analysis of Professor Hippokratis Kiaris. Framing the development of Western civilization in stages akin to human development, Kiaris articulates how each phase of societal advancement mirrors the cognitive and moral growth phases from childhood towards adulthood, as seen through the lenses of intellectual history. He stretches this analogy from the explorative and question-driven "toddler" years characteristic of the Greek civilization era, through the rigid yet foundational "childhood" of the Middle Ages, moving onto the rebellious "teenage" years of the Enlightenment period, and finally arriving at the responsible yet crisis-ridden "adulthood" of contemporary times. Professor Kiaris's exploration doesn't solely reminisce on the past milestones but rather seeks to understand the inherent responsibilities, limitations, and existential dilemmas facing the West today, particularly those related to sustainability, technological reliance, and the urgent reevaluation of values towards more qualitative, rather than quantitative, societal growth. Through discussing the shifting paradigms towards expertise and technocracy, and the concurrent depersonalization and dehumanization of society, Kiaris offers a critical perspective on the Western civilization’s current challenges and questions the path forward, advocating for a balance between technological progress and maintaining a critical, human-centric approach to societal development. Some impactful quotes from the podcast: "The hidden harmony is better than the obvious." Kiaris references Heraclitus to underline the significance of uncovering patterns and analogies in intellectual traditions, suggesting a deeper understanding of our present and potential future by decoding less evident connections in our historical and societal development. "Everything seemed possible, and the world felt as being very, very close to change." In the Enlightenment period, this observation captures the spirit of intellectual rebellion, exploration, and the radical openness to new ideas, paralleling the expansive and optimistic mindset of adolescence. "We should do what adults do... exercise, live healthy, and come in terms with our age." Kiaris uses adulthood activities as metaphors for societal actions – promoting critical thinking, excising harmful ideologies, and embracing the achievements of human civilization with a view towards qualitative improvement rather than mere technological advancements. "We dream of developing a society... where an expert will be available for everything." This quote reflects on the current stage of Western civilization's deep trust in technocracy and expertise, questioning the impact of this reliance on public debate, individual autonomy, and the essence of democratic engagement in societal progress. Each quote serves to weave through the broader discussion on the evolution, challenges, and potential futures of Western civilization, reflecting on how past intellectual movements inform the present and how the present might shape the future, offering a comprehensive examination of human society through intellectual, cultural, and practical lenses. Professor Hippokratis Kiaris studied biology at the University of Athens and received his PhD at the University of Crete. After performing postdoctoral research at Tulane and Harvard Universities, he taught at the University of Athens and is now at the University of South Carolina.

Celebrate Literary History on May 17th at an Inspiring Venue We are thrilled to invite you to the much-anticipated book presentation of "Concepción Gimeno de Flaquer," set to take place at the Museo de la Mujer in Mexico City. This event promises to be a fascinating journey through the life and works of one of the pioneering figures in Spanish literature and journalism. Event Details Date: Friday, May 17th Time: 12:00 PM Venue: Museo de la Mujer, Mexico City Available LIVE on YouTube About the Book "Concepción Gimeno de Flaquer" explores the incredible life and enduring legacy of Concepción Gimeno de Flaquer, a trailblazer for women in the literary and journalistic fields during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her work not only challenged the norms of her time but also paved the way for future generations of writers. This biography provides a deep dive into her writings, her influence on feminism in Spain and Latin America, and her unyielding commitment to women's rights. Why You Should Attend This book presentation is more than just an unveiling of a biography. It's an opportunity to engage with the past and understand the significant contributions of women like Concepción Gimeno de Flaquer to cultural and social spheres. Attendees will get to: Explore the Historical Context: Understand the social and political landscape that shaped her works and ideologies. Engage with Experts: Meet historians and literary experts who have studied her life and can provide deeper insights into her impact and legacy. Visit the Museo de la Mujer: Experience the perfect backdrop for this event, a museum dedicated to the achievements and history of women. Join the Conversation This event is not just a book launch; it’s a celebration of women’s history, literature, and the power of perseverance and vision. Mark your calendars for May 17th and be part of a memorable experience that honors the legacy of one of the most influential figures in the history of Spanish and Latin American literature. We look forward to welcoming you to an inspiring afternoon of literature, history, and engaging discussions. See you there!

Congratulations to Sabiha Huq on receiving the 2023 'Literary Encyclopedia' Book Prize in the category of "Literatures written in languages other than English" for her book "The Mughal Aviary: Women’s Writings in Pre-Modern India." Find out more about the book here: The Mughal Aviary: Women’s Writings in Pre-Modern India This volume delves into the literary lives of four Muslim women in pre-modern India. Three of them, Gulbadan Begam (1523-1603), the youngest daughter of Emperor Babur, Jahanara (1614-1681), the eldest daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan, and Zeb-un-Nissa (1638-1702), the eldest daughter of Emperor Aurangzeb, belonged to royalty. Thus, they were inhabitants of the Mughal 'zenana', an enigmatic liminal space of qualified autonomy and complex equations of gender politics. Amidst such constructs, Gulbadan Begam’s 'Humayun-Nama' (biography of her half-brother Humayun, reflecting on the lives of Babur’s wives and daughters), Jahanara’s hagiographies glorifying Mughal monarchy, and Zeb-un-Nissa’s free-spirited poetry that landed her in Aurangzeb’s prison, are discursive literary outputs from a position of gendered subalternity. While the subjective selves of these women never much surfaced under extant rigid conventions, their indomitable understanding of ‘home-world’ antinomies determinedly emerge from their works. This monograph explores the political imagination of these Mughal women that was constructed through statist interactions of their royal fathers and brothers, and how such knowledge percolated through the relatively cloistered communal life of the 'zenana'. The fourth woman, Habba Khatoon (1554-1609), famously known as ‘the Nightingale of Kashmir’, offers an interesting counterpoint to her royal peers. As a common woman who married into royalty (her husband Yusuf Shah Chak was the ruler of Kashmir in 1579-1586), her happiness was short-lived with her husband being treacherously exiled by Emperor Akbar. Khatoon’s verse, which voices the pangs of separation, was that of an ascetic who allegedly roamed the valley, and is famed to have introduced the ‘lol’ (lyric) into Kashmiri poetry. Across genres and social positions of all these writers, this volume intends to cast hitherto unfocused light on the emergent literary sensibilities shown by Muslim women in pre-modern India.

Congratulations to Helen Freear-Papio and Candyce Crew Leonard, the editors of the book "The Theatre of Twenty-First Century Spain / El teatro de España del siglo XXI" for receiving a review appearing in the journal 'Hispania', Volume 106, Number 3. Reviewer: Esther Fernández (Rice University): [...] Yo calificaría este libro como una ‘recapitulación panorámica del teatro español del siglo XXI’ que las editoras han moldeado magistralmente alrededor del tema de la identidad, entendido desde distintas perspectivas sociales, históricas y políticas. La cohesión del volumen es excepcional, ya que se lee como un monográfico de principio a fin. [...] Como estudiosa y apasionada del teatro, esta es, definitivamente, una lectura obligatoria para cualquier hispanista interesado en los estudios culturales y en la literatura dramática y para el estudioso de teatro social en un sentido más amplio. Helen Freear-Papio y Candyce Crew Leonard establecen un sugestivo diálogo con los problemas sociales actuales por los que atraviesa España haciéndonos ver como la escena puede ser un potente think tank para agitar conciencias. Esto tampoco es algo nuevo, siempre lo ha sabido lograr nuestro teatro más comprometido, pero este volumen lo plasma en el aquí y en el ahora de una manera directa, como una lección magistral de la cual muchos de nosotros podemos aprender. [Extract from book review (Spanish) on the journal 'Hispania', Volume 106, Number 3, September 2023, pp. 504-505. Reviewer: Esther Fernández (Rice University) https://doi.org/10.1353/hpn.2023.a906583] Read more about the book here: The Theatre of Twenty-First Century Spain / El teatro de España del siglo XXI

MSNBC’s Joy Reid spoke with Angela Pashayan, the author of “Development in Africa’s Informal Settlements,” about the growing geopolitical power of countries in the southern hemisphere and what these shifts mean for the future of the U.S. We are delighted that our author, Angela Pashayan, discussed the many important topics touched on in her book "Development in Africa’s Informal Settlements" with MSNBC's host of The ReidOut, Joy Reid, last Friday, April 5th. Watch the interview here: Alternative link: https://www.msnbc.com/the-reidout/watch/why-the-global-south-holds-the-keys-to-the-world-s-future-208360517861 Read more about the book here: Development in Africa's Informal Settlements: Below the Proletariat This book discusses the effectiveness of international development programs in African informal settlements (slums). It also represents the voices of slum dwellers and how they view the programs offered. With over 60% of Africans living in slums, the book intends to foster dialogue among development professionals to determine how to improve service to their clients, people experiencing extreme poverty. This book examines the critical thinking disconnect between development professionals and slum dwellers. It enables practitioners, professors, and their students to investigate the gap between the types of development programs offered versus what is most beneficial to reduce extreme poverty in slum communities. With a sample of 500 residents from Mukuru Slum in Nairobi, Kenya, and 100 development professionals with expertise in poverty reduction in slums, this book sheds light on the similarities and differences between various programs. Most importantly, this book provides a theoretical way forward (The Theory of Extreme Poverty Reduction) based on Freirean pedagogy to stimulate discussion on how to program new strategies for authentic dialogue with slum dwellers that leads to the critical consciousness necessary for successful poverty reduction.

Congratulations to Pablo Alejandro Suárez Marrero, the editor of the book "Escenas Diversas: Drama, Humor y Música" for receiving a review appearing in the journal 'Diagonal: An Ibero-American Music Review', 9, no. 1 (2024): 66–67. Reviewer: Luis Díaz-Santana Garza (Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas): […] [Este libro] busca integrar y dar visibilidad a la investigación musical que se realiza en Iberoamérica, destacando la riqueza y diversidad de las músicas regionales de nuestro propio vecindario geográfico. […] Finalmente, sabemos que la identidad, la cultura y las fronteras tienen como característica común su plasticidad y permeabilidad, y la obra Escenas diversas: Drama, humor y música nos muestra que las escenas musicales no se circunscriben a los actos performativos locales, sino que se despliegan más allá de los espacios físicos donde se originaron gracias a los medios de comunicación y a las migraciones. Si por desacuerdos políticos y económicos nunca se ha logrado unificar la diversidad cultural latinoamericana, este libro nos plantea la posibilidad de lograr la anhelada unidad por medio de nuestras músicas, las cuales trascienden los espacios locales para convertirse en un lenguaje regional común. [Extracto de reseña publicada en 'Diagonal: An Ibero-American Music Review', 9, no. 1 (2024): 66–67. Revisor: Luis Díaz-Santana Garza (Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas) https://doi.org/10.5070/D89163366 ] Find out more about the book here: Escenas Diversas: Drama, Humor y Música

Congratulations to Jonathan O. Chimakonam, the editor of the book "Logic and African Philosophy" for receiving a review appearing in the journal 'History and Philosophy of Logic', 2022, Vol.43 (3), p.303-305. Reviewer: E. Ofuasia Lagos State University, Nigeria: “Logic and African Philosophy: Seminal Essays on African Systems of Thought” is an edited work by Jonathan Chimakonam who is affiliated to the Philosophy Department at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. The book has four parts with a total of sixteen published and (some) revised essays that had appeared between i958 and 2020. Essentially, each of the parts is tied to a thematic contention in the history of thought and logic in the African place but also discloses a historical evolution from mere lip service and doubt to the emergence of an alternative three-valued logic system that is formal, methodological, philosophical, yet able to represent the African reality better than the prevalent bivalent logic system, dominant in the Western tradition of philosophy. [...] [Extract from book reviewing on the journal 'History and Philosophy of Logic', 2022, Vol.43 (3), p.303-305. Reviewer: E. Ofuasia Lagos State University, Nigeria). https://doi.org/10.1080/01445340.2021.1988431] Find out more about the book here: Logic and African Philosophy

Congratulations to Sandra Frimmel (University of Zurich), the author of the book "Art Judgements: Art on Trial in Russia after Perestroika" for receiving a review appearing in the journal 'Slavic Review', Vol.82 (2), p.569-570. Reviewer: Olga Medvedkova (Centre Jean Pépin CNRS-ENS): Sandra Frimmel’s book is the English translation (by Michael Turnbull) of her German dissertation published in 2015. It deals with the difficult question of Russian law using contemporary art and living artists as scapegoats and as models of transgressive behavior from 2000. The author has chosen to document and analyze two trials against curators and artists whose works were presented in two exhibitions in Moscow: “Caution, Religion!” (2003) and “Forbidden Art” (2006); the book belongs to the genus of cases studies. […] The book, clearly written and well translated, is composed of an Introduction and two parts. The first (“Speaking about Art in Court”) is dedicated to the analysis of prosecution and defense, then to artistic strategies. The second (“Staging in Court”) deals with what the author names “staging strategies,” once again both of prosecution and defense. […] The two parts of the book are very well illustrated. […] [Extract from review in the journal 'Slavic Review', Vol.82 (2), p.569-570. Reviewer: Olga Medvedkova (Centre Jean Pépin CNRS-ENS). https://doi.org/10.1017/slr.2023.274 ] Find out more about the book here: "Art Judgements: Art on Trial in Russia after Perestroika"

Congratulations to Dylan Motin (Kangwon National University, Korea), the author of the book "Bandwagoning in International Relations: China, Russia, and Their Neighbors" for receiving a review appearing on 'Asian Affairs.' 15 Mar 2024. Reviewer: Anthony Toh Han Yang: When and why do minor states ‘bandwagon’ with regional powers that might be a threat to them? This is the question that Bandwagoning in International Relations: China, Russia, and Their Neighbors addresses. The book is timely and much needed since there are relatively few in-depth analyses on the postures of minor states despite the term being commonly used in contemporary discussions of international security. Its extensive coverage on the alignment strategies of Armenia, Belarus, Cambodia, Myanmar, North Korea, Pakistan, and Serbia makes it a worthy piece for readers keen on understanding the security dynamics of minor states in Asia and Europe. [...] [Extract from book review on 'Asian Affairs.' 15 Mar 2024. Reviewer: Anthony Toh Han Yang. https://doi.org/10.1080/03068374.2024.2326037] Find out more about the book here: "Bandwagoning in International Relations: China, Russia, and Their Neighbors"

Congratulations to Pablo Alejandro Suárez Marrero, the editor of the book "Escenas diversas. Drama, humor y música" for receiving a review by Dr Verónica Pardo Frías (Universidad Nacional de Loja, Ecuador) appearing in 'SONOCORDIA. Revista de artes sonoras y producción musical.' Vol. 3, N. 8 (November 2023): El libro Escenas diversas. Drama, humor y música, coordinado por Pablo Alejandro Suárez Marrero y publicado por Vernon Press, aborda la diversidad de las escenas musicales como una de sus principales fortalezas. El concepto de escenas musicales se utiliza en el libro como elemento discursivo para analizar las diferentes aproximaciones y dinámicas del quehacer musical iberoamericano, tanto en el pasado como en el presente. [...] Cada uno de los capítulos abordan temas en los cuales los autores destacan la cohesión y coherencia de la argumentación, la claridad de la escritura y la pertinencia de los ejemplos y materiales presentes en cada sección, cuyos aportes ofrecen nuevos enfoques metodológicos y reflexiones críticas que enriquecen al campo de estudio de las escenas musicales, desde una perspectiva amplia y diversa. [Extract appearing in 'SONOCORDIA. Revista de artes sonoras y producción musical.' Vol. 3, N. 8, November 2023] Read more about the book here: "Escenas diversas. Drama, humor y música"