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Thomas D. Perry papers

 Collection — Box: 1-9
Identifier: 22-5F-998

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

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)

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

  1. 12/4/531, Evaluation of the President: Faculty Senate Chairman's Files, 1979
  2. 22/5F/190, Newton Garver Papers, 1963-1991
  3. 22/5F/368, Peter H. Hare Papers, 1968-1999
  4. 22/5F/767, Papers of William Tuthill Parry, 1908-1988

Separated Materials

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

Processing Information

Processed by Amy Vilz, April 2005.

Source

Title
Finding Aid for the Thomas D. Perry papers
Status
Completed
Author
Finding aid prepared by Amy Vilz.
Date
2005
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the University Archives Repository

Contact:
420 Capen Hall
Buffalo New York 14260-1674 US
716-645-2916
716-645-3714 (Fax)