Dominic Balestra, Ph.D., professor of philosophy and former dean of arts and sciences faculty, has been named president elect of the American Catholic Philosophical Association (ACPA).

Dominic Balestra, Ph.D. Photo by Patrick Verel

“Not only is this a major and richly deserved honor for Professor Balestra; it is also a clear recognition of Fordham’s strength in philosophy and in the scholarship of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition,” said Brennan O’Donnell, Ph.D., dean of Fordham College at Rose Hill.

Founded in 1926, the association’s mission is to “promote the advancement of philosophy as an intellectual discipline consonant with Catholic tradition.” The organization strives to develop philosophical scholarship, improve the teaching of philosophy and communicate with other individuals and groups with similar aims. Past presidents of the ACPA have included three Fordham philosophers: James Marsh, Ph.D., professor emeritus; the late W. Norris Clarke, S.J., and the late Gerald McCool, S.J.

As president, Balestra will chair the executive council of the association and set the theme for its annual meeting in 2011. He will deliver a keynote address at that meeting and invite three other plenary session speakers.

“At this time I am considering a theme of science and religion in the light of recent philosophy of science,” Balestra said. “This is a significant honor for me and Fordham and I’m truly humbled to be among these esteemed philosophers and other past presidents of the association. I will do my best to deliver a worthwhile meeting that all of them would approve of.”

The ACPA publishes the meeting’s proceedings as well as its highly respected scholarly journal, the American Catholic Philosophically Quarterly.

“Fordham has had a strong presence in the ACPA over the years and I hope that my election will help sustain that presence well into the future,” Balestra said.