Central Valley Philosophy Association

The  Central Valley Philosophy Association is a forum for dialogue among philosophers in the San Joaquin Valley.  Local conferences, discussion groups, and other events are posted here.

Discussion regarding a Central Valley Philosophy Associations began in early 1997.  Karen Bell (chair of Philosophy Dept. CSUF), Jack Pitt (CSUF), and Bob Boyd (FCC) discussed creating a venue for sharing ideas regarding philosophy and teaching of philosophy.  On February 24, 1998 a letter and questionnaire was sent to people either teaching philosophy or to philosophy programs in the area from Bakersfield to Sacramento.  The purpose of the questionnaire was to gauge whether CVPA was feasible.  While some philosophers responded with comments like “how can one be an intellectual, let alone a philosopher, while living in the Central Valley?", there were enough responses indicating interest that Jack Pitt and Bob Boyd moved forward with the first meeting in October of 1998.  According to the letter, 

The purpose of the Central Valley Philosophy Association is to stimulate dialogue among philosophers within the Valley by:

1) providing a sympathetic forum for philosophers to try out their creative ideas; and

2) sharing responses to difficulties arising from technology, and the academic institutions themselves to the teaching of philosophy.