April 2007 -- Spring Colloquium

"Animal Rationale = Animal Risible*; Taking Laughter Seriously"

featuring

Rev. John Naus, S. J.

Associate Professor of Philosophy

Thursday, April 12, 2007

2:00 p.m.

Raynor Library Conference Center,
Beaumier Suites B-C

* Translation from the Latin:
An animal able to think = an animal able to laugh.

All students, faculty, and staff are invited to join the library-sponsored spring colloquium, presented by Father John Naus, who will provide a philosophical look at laughter and humor.

In Isagoge, the philosopher Porphyry noted that one of the unique capabilities of rational animals is the ability to laugh.  But can we laugh too little or too much?  What comprises a "good sense of humor" and who has one?  Does a person with a good sense of humor make a better person?  Did Jesus laugh?  Is humor ever wrong?

Father Naus often tells people that he came to Marquette in the canoe with Father Marquette in 1673.  In fact, he was ordained in 1955 and came to Marquette in 1963.  Since then he has been dean of students, director of spiritual welfare, a residence hall minister, associate professor of philosophy, assistant to the president, and faculty advisor to the Marquette chapter of the Evans Scholars.  He has taught philosophy of humor and enjoyed a long second calling as Tumbleweed the Clown.

Thousands of students have learned from his life of love and faith.  In 2004, Father Naus was honored as Alumnus of the Year by the Father Danihy Alumni Club of Alpha Sigma Nu, the National Jesuit Honor Society.  The Marquette Tribune profiled Fr. Naus in a 10/26/06 article, "Giving of Himself."

The colloquium series is jointly sponsored by the Marquette University Librarians' Assembly and the Library Support Staff Association.  The event is free, open to all, and light refreshments will be available.  Questions concerning the event may be addressed to Rose Trupiano at 288-5998 or E-mail.