Thomas D. Perry papers

Collection — Box: 1-9

Identifier: 22-5F-998

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection documents the professional work of Thomas D. Perry, professor of Philosophy at the University of Buffalo from 1966- 1982. It is mainly comprised of notes and correspondence regarding his publications and work in the Philosophy Department. Included are his extensive notes on his second book, Professional Philosophy: What It Is and Why It Matters, and comments on colleagues work.

Dates

1957-1982
Majority of material found within ( 1970-1982)

Creator

Perry, Thomas D. (Person)

Language of Materials

Collection material in English.

Terms of Access

The Thomas D. Perry Papers, 1957-1982 are open for research.

Copyright

Copyright is held by The State University of New York at Buffalo, University Archives. Copyright in other papers in the collection may be held by their authors, or the authors' heirs or assigns. Researchers must obtain the written permission of the holder(s) of copyright and the University Archives before publishing quotations from materials in the collection. Most papers may be copied in accordance with the library's usual procedures unless otherwise specified.

Biographical Note

Thomas D. Perry was born in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1924. A graduate of the University at Buffalo's Law School, Dr. Perry served as a legal counselor to Congress and later, Bell Aerospace Corporation. He attended Columbia University, earning a Ph.D. in Philosophy in 1966. Thereafter he taught Philosophy at the University at Buffalo, where he was active in Department activities, including assisting in the development of the University's Philosophy and Law joint degree program.

Dr. Perry was particularly interested in moral reasoning and legal philosophy. He published many works in such distinguished journals as Ethics, The Journal of Philosophy, and Analysis, as well as a book on philosophy, Moral Autonomy and Reasonableness. In 1981, he was honored by the Aristotelian Society in Britain, (counterpart to the American Philosophical Association). In his eulogy of Dr. Perry, friend and colleague Dr. Jorge Gracia referred to this as "…an honor that is only rarely accorded a living philosopher." Dr. Perry had two works published posthumously in 1985, Professional Philosophy: What It Is and Why It Matters, and the article, "Two Domains of Rights." He died in 1982.

Extent

3.75 Linear Feet (9 manuscript boxes)

Additional Description

Abstract

Collection of materials from Thomas D. Perry, professor of legal philosophy. Includes his teachings, publications, professional correspondence, and his work in the U.B. Philosophy Department.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged in four series and subseries. I. Publications I.A. Articles I.B. Monographs II. Professional work II.A. Comments on others' work II.B. Creighton Club III. Philosophy Department III.A. Committees III.B. Lectures III.C. Coursework IV. Education.

Acquisition Information

The Thomas D. Perry Papers, 1957-1982, were given to the University Archives by his wife, Patricia Perry in two different accessions: # 82-081 was received October 5, 1982, and accession # 85-037 was received May 3, 1985.

Accruals and Additions

No further accruals are expected to this collection.

Related Resources

12/4/531, Evaluation of the President: Faculty Senate Chairman's Files, 1979
22/5F/190, Newton Garver Papers, 1963-1991
22/5F/368, Peter H. Hare Papers, 1968-1999
22/5F/767, Papers of William Tuthill Parry, 1908-1988

Separated Materials

Faculty Records, 1971, 1973-1977, 1979, 1981; includes curriculum vitae, recommendations, memos, correspondence [12 folders].
Faculty Records: promotions, 1970-1971, 1973, 1977, 1979; includes promotions, recruitment, memos, correspondence [1 folder].
Faculty Reprints; includes reprints of articles by U.B. faculty [1 folder].