Editor's note: A high resolution jpeg of Dr. Alter can be e-mailed to you.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - A University of Alabama professor has been awarded a prestigious Sabbatical Fellowship by the American Philosophical Society, the oldest society in the United States devoted to the advancement of scientific and scholarly inquiry.

Dr. Torin Alter

Dr. Torin Alter, associate professor of philosophy in UA’s College of Arts and Sciences, was one of only 20 individuals nationwide to be selected for the fellowship from over 250 applicants.

Established in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin, the American Philosophical Society was begun to encourage scientific and technological advancement. Early members included doctors, lawyers, clergymen, and merchants interested in science, as well as artisans and tradesmen like Franklin. Today the Society recognizes professionals in the arts and humanities by supporting scholarly research, professional meetings, publications, library resources, and community outreach.

“Universities are able to allow faculty members one semester of leave for research each seven years. This prestigious recognition of excellent scholarship funds a second semester of leave. Professor Alter’s work is most deserving of this recognition and the year of research time it provides,” said Dr. Robert F. Olin, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Alter will complete his book, “Consciousness, Materialism, and Intentionality” which deals with the philosophy of mind. Alter is examining the connections between consciousness and intentionality. While consciousness refers to what it is like for the person to have an experience, intentionality refers to the mind when it forms representations of things, such as concrete objects. The two were thought to be related by earlier philosophers, but this connection was largely ignored by 20th century philosophers.

As part of the fellowship, Alter will also spend six weeks at the National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Institute where elite scholars from across the country will hear from experts in the field of consciousness and intentionality.

Alter holds a bachelor’s degree from Hampshire College and a master’s and doctorate from the University of California. He joined The University of Alabama faculty in 1995. He has also taught at the University of California and the College of New Jersey.

He will be on sabbatical during the 2002-2003 academic year.

The College of Art and Sciences is the largest liberal arts college in Alabama and The University of Alabama’s largest division with 340 faculty and 6,000 students in more than 25 departments and programs.