The David K. Lewis lecture is a biennial lecture in honor of a man who has been called one of the twentieth century’s most important philosophers, having made major contributions to a wide range of philosophical disciplines – from the philosophy of language, philosophy of mathematics and philosophy of science through decision theory, epistemology, meta-ethics and aesthetics – with perhaps his most significant contributions advancing the study of metaphysics and philosophy of mind. Lewis was a legendary teacher, an influential and prolific writer (of letters as well as papers and books) and a treasured member of the Department of Philosophy faculty from 1970 until his sudden death in 2001.

The first Lewis Lecture was presented in 2006 by David’s colleague and friend Frank Jackson, from The Australian National University.  His wife and life partner Steffi Lewis, a dear friend of the department who occasionally collaborated with David and began editing his correspondence and papers after his death, often presented a pre-lecture on David’s work to graduate students.

Read more about the life and work of David Kellogg Lewis here.