Oakeshott Conference Announced
Sabre’s very practical work to promote
education and free inquiry around the world stems from its longer-standing
philosophical programs examining the ideals animating free institutions.
In keeping with the philosophical side of its mission Sabre agreed in 1999 to
serve as the organizing venue for an international group of scholars devoted to
the critical examination of Michael Oakeshott, increasingly regarded as the
leading philosopher of politics, jurisprudence, historiography and liberal
education writing in the English language during the 20th Century. The
Michael Oakeshott Association, which now comprises more than two hundred members
from twenty countries, will remain under Sabre’s aegis for the years
2000-2001, until the Association completes its inaugural conference, approves
bylaws and elects a slate of officers.
The Inaugural Conference of the Michael Oakeshott Association has now been set
for 2001, Oakeshott’s centenary. It will be held September 3-5 at the
London School of Economics, where for nearly two decades Oakeshott chaired the
Government Department. Some thirty scholars will present papers covering
the full range of Oakeshott’s work. A poster session will be open to
shorter presentations by graduate students.
The conference committee, under the honorary chairmanship of Lord Quinton,
former Chairman of the British Library and President of Trinity College, Oxford,
consists of Professors Timothy Fuller of Colorado College, Noel O’Sullivan of
the University of Hull, and Ken Minogue and John Gray of the London School of
Economics. Members of the organizing committee of the Association are:
Leslie Marsh, convenor, and Josiah Lee Auspitz, Charles Getchell and Jesse
Norman, representing Sabre Foundation U.S., Sabre Europe and Sabre Trust
UK.
The first institutional financial contribution to the conference in Britain is a
small but highly regarded grant from the philosophical journal *Mind*.
Initial contributions from individuals have been received from Canada and the
U.S. by the Sabre Foundation, which welcomes further support.
Details on the Conference and the Association, as
well as online writings by and about Oakeshott may be found at:
www.michael-oakeshott-association.org