SUE LARSON

I have studied Philosophy with Sue at Columbia university for my doctorat, and was inspired to no end by her. We have done a close reading of Wittgenstein's Philosophical Investigation together, and the spell of his writing, beyond words, was embodied by her. I shall never forget her.

Sue taught a Metaphysics class in the Spring of 1974 which I took in my first year of college. I had no idea what metaphysics was; indeed I'm still not entirely sure. But we read Davidson's "Mental Events" and lots of stuff about causation. I had fun in that class, and my father suggested that I ask Sue about studying more philosophy. She was cautiously encouraging; at least she didn't say it was a terrible idea. So I did, and years passed, and I read "Mental Events" again in graduate school...

I was a student of Sue's in my final year at Barnard. Her teaching inspired me to switch from comparative literature to philosophy for graduate work. She continued to be a powerful presence in my life through graduate school. Although I only saw her a few more times after I left the East Coast for California, her personality and commitment to philosophical integrity have been a continuing beacon. Thank you, Sue.

It has been now over a year since Sue left us but we miss her still so very much. Despite the breaks in her back, knees, foot, wrist and problems with medication Sue was the most vibrant person I have ever known. Her mind was amazing, simply astounding. The minute I met her I knew life would be ok. The depth of her understanding and compassion was immediate and unconditional. She was the ideal mentor for this farmland girl lost in the seven sisters big city college. Though her sharp...

The first time I met Sue was in the spring of 1989. She had invited me to come and talk with her in her office at a date and afternoon time that she had proposed. When I found the entrance to the college I was surprised to see it was graduation day. There were throngs of graduates and faculty in gowns and academic robes and smartly dressed family and guests. I weaved my way through the crowds into Sulzberger Hall and asked someone for directions to Barnard Hall. A woman from the faculty...

The remembrance which follows is based on my speaking at Sue Larson's Memorial at Barnard College on January 23, 2012.

I was a friend and colleague of Sue Larson's at Barnard College. I was teaching in the Psychology Department; she was in Philosophy.

How we met
It was one of those Barnard winter Holiday Parties. There's always delicious hors d'ouvres; and wine and conversation flow. Either Sue and I just started talking… or actually I think someone introduced...