Philosophy professor ‘enlightens’ SUNY New Paltz about 18th century philosopher’s ethics

NEW PALTZ — Sabine Roehr, adjunct philosophy professor at the State University of New York at New Paltz, will share the thoughts of 18th century German philosopher Immanuel Kant on the topic of freedom and morality.

The lecture, titled “… ‘Starry Heaven’s Above Me and the Moral Law Within Me’ Freedom and Determinism in Kant’s Ethics,” will be held on April 22.

Kant was a German philosopher who wrote during the period of Enlightenment in the 18th century. Roehr intends to provide a broad introduction to Kant’s thought, often not taught in the classroom.

“I am trying to show how Kant attempts to find a place for freedom and morality in a scientific universe,” said Roehr.

The Faculty Lecture Series provides a forum to SUNY New Paltz faculty to present their research to the public, while allowing students to experience a professional discourse.

Roehr’s lecture is free and open to the public and begins at 5 p.m. in the campus’ Honors Center, located in College Hall. This is the final lecture of this semester series. Other lectures covered topics on art history, chemistry, history, political science, psychology, and sociology.