Editors’ Letter

Dear Reader,

     This journal was created in light of our belief in the contemporary
relevance of the western humanistic tradition and the value of
assembling a plurality of perspectives based on its implications.
The following is a collection of commentaries from of our peers’
finest reflections about the ideas related to this tradition. Seneca asked, “Quid est homo?” that is, what is it to be human? This might be thought of as the starting point for all of these entries which together serve to illuminate, affirm, and challenge the nature of the human condition.

       We hope that this inaugural project will be sustained in future years. The exchange of perspectives about the western humanistic tradition and its foundational ideas is an essential way for this tradition to be refined and evaluated within what the Argentinian philosopher Eduardo Rabossi has described as a“culture of human rights.” Having a journal that facilitates such an exchange is important for the prosperity of the Humanistic Studies program and its surrounding community. Please engage these writings with open eyes and continue to participate with
your peers in dialogue about what it means to be human.

Cordially,

Rebecca Grosz
Jennifer Lee
Michael Wagman

Journal of Humanistic Studies 2005