Philosophy, politics and law (PPL) students are optimistic for fall 2006, as the department announced Professor John Arthur’s probable return next semester. He will likely teach two classes, including Phil 146: Law and Justice.

“The fall semester is still a long way off though, so Professor Arthur will not be fully deciding about his return until the summer,” said Steven Scalet, co-director of the PPL program. “However, he is enthusiastic and hopeful.”

Arthur, who is also a director of Binghamton University’s philosophy, politics and law program, announced in mid-January that he had developed lung cancer and would not be teaching during the spring 2006 semester. Arthur was diagnosed while vacationing in Colorado over winter break.

“The PPL program has missed Professor Arthur’s guidance. Many students over the course of this semester have approached us to express their wishes for his recovery,” Scalet said. “Students have also expressed their hope to take a course from him next year. The strong and supportive student response is a testament to Professor Arthur’s dedication and work as a teacher and advisor to so many students.”

Andrea Levine, a junior philosophy, politics and law major, agrees that Arthur has served as a major influence in the lives of students.

“Professor Arthur is really concerned with the students understanding and enjoying the courses he teaches,” she said. “He’ll do things like make changes in the syllabus to include more articles that are more interesting to the students during that particular semester, and he does a great job explaining the complex philosophical articles that he has students read.”

Levine took Phil 146: Law and Justice, and Phil 345: Philosophy of Law, with Arthur. She was also a teaching assistant for Phil 146, and is currently a teaching assistant for Arthur’s replacement.

“It was evident to me in class, and even more so during teaching assistant meetings, that he really loves teaching the material and getting students involved,” she said. “Professor Arthur changes what could be very mundane reading into interesting and applicable concepts which students can relate to.”

This semester, Arthur was originally scheduled to teach Phil 345: Philosophy of Law, which is currently being taught by Howard Engelskirchen, an adjunct lecturer in the philosophy department.

Arthur was also scheduled to teach a 400-level seminar which was cancelled, with seniors already enrolled receiving priority placement in other seminars.

According to Scalet, the department was not presented with any major problems or issues from students who needed to adjust their schedules as a result of these changes.

“The PPL faculty have also missed Professor Arthur’s presence and participation in the department,” Scalet said.

“Fortunately for the department, however, Professor Arthur has attended some events as he’s been able,” Scalet said. “He still participates in a faculty reading group, has attended some talks and meetings and continues to keep up with his e-mails.”

Both faculty and students are eager for Arthur’s return to BU.

“It’s great for students that Professor Arthur will be back,” Levine said. “I know that students who have taken his seminars and larger lectures are excited for his return and many students are looking forward to taking Phil 146 with him next semester.”