Transformative changes of self happen. They can be chosen or unchosen, wanted or unwanted, good or bad. They can occur as part of ordinary life transitions, as when one becomes a parent, marries, emigrates or divorces, and they can occur in extraordinary circumstances, such as when one experiences a war, serious physical accident, invasive neurosurgical procedure or cognitive change due to Alzheimer’s.

L.A. Paul, Milstone Family Professor of Philosophy and Cognitive Science at Yale University, will discuss transformations on Friday, April 18 at 4 p.m. in Gore Hall, Room 116 at the Department of Philosophy’s Spring 2025 David Norton Memorial Lecture.

Paul will develop a conceptual framework for these kinds of changes and explore some of their implications, with a special focus on how they relate to our understanding of big life choices and the ways we construct our lives.

Reception to follow. This event is free and open to the public.

This lecture is sponsored by the David Norton Memorial Fund honoring the late UD Philosophy Professor.