The Board of Directors of The Bertrand Russell Society, Inc. met in two sessions on June 12 and June 13, 1992 in the Third Floor Lounge of Centennial Hall on the campus of The American University in Washington, DC.

Friday, June 12, 1992

The meeting was called to order at 10:25 p.m. by Chairman Marvin Kohl. In addition to Chairman Kohl, the Directors in attendance were Jack Cowles, Dennis J. Darland, Lee Eisler, Donald W. Jackanicz, John A. Jackanicz, Robert James, David Johnson, Gladys Leithauser, John Lenz, Hugh Moorhead, Stephen J. Reinhardt, Michael J. Rockler, and Warren Allen Smith.

Mr. Moorhead moved and it was unanimously accepted that all incumbent officers be reelected for service during the forthcoming year. The reelected officers are as follows:

Chairman of the Board of Directors-Marvin Kohl
President-Michael J. Rockler
Vice President-John Lenz
Vice President/Information-Lee Eisler
Secretary of the Board and Society-Donald Jackanicz
Treasurer-Dennis J. Darland

Mr. Rockler moved and it was unanimously accepted that the 1993 Society Annual Meeting be held in San Diego from June 18 to June 20. Mr. Rockler moved and it was unanimously accepted that the 1993 Bertrand Russell Society Award be presented to Harry Ruja. Although no formal motion was made, Mr. Rockler expressed his view that there should be a two year lead time for planning annual meetings.

Mr. Lenz moved that (1) the doctoral and masters grant program be abolished and (2) a competition be established for one or two annual prizes for the best paper(s) on a Russell-related subject, provided the awardee(s) presents the paper(s) at the annual meeting, with there being an undergraduate category and a young professionals category, and with the prize to consist of a stipend, travel expenses to the annual meeting, annual meeting registration, and a one year Society membership. This motion was accepted with the following vote: Yes-8, No-0, Abstain-5, Not Present-1. Chairman Kohl appointed John Lenz to chair a committee responsible for administering the competition.

Mr. Rockler moved and it was unanimously accepted that the Society pay to the Russell Archives for members’ Russell journal subscriptions an additional (U.S.)$1.50 for 1993 and an additional (U.S.)$1.50 + $1.00 for 1994 in relation to the present 1992 price. The meeting was adjourned at 11:35 p.m.

Saturday, June 13, 1992

Because of a Board of Directors vote taken at the Society Business Meeting on June 13, 1992, the Board of Directors reconvened in a second, previously unplanned session at 9:54 p.m. with Chairman Marvin Kohl presiding. In addition to Chairman Kohl, the Directors in attendance were Jack Cowles, Dennis J. Darland, Lee Eisler, Donald W. Jackanicz, John A. Jackanicz, Robert James, Gladys Leithauser, Hugh Moorhead, Stephen J. Reinhardt, Michael J. Rockler, and Warren Allen Smith.

Discussion exclusively dealt with the proposals made earlier that day at the Society Annual Business Meeting by Christos Tzanetakos, who was present and further outlined his thoughts. To enable Mr. Tzanetakos’s proposals to be brought before the Board, Mr. Moorhead moved that the Society seek legally to reverse the New York City government court decision relating to Russell and the City College of New York and that the Society allocate money for the purchase and distribution of Russell books to students.

Following discussion, Mr. Moorhead withdrew this motion. There ensued a general discussion of methods of publicizing the Society. Mr. Eisler then moved that the Society make an effort to publicize the City College of New York events and the court decision. Following discussion, Mr. Eisler withdrew this motion. Ultimately Chairman Kohl stated that he will appoint a committee responsible for publicity relating to the City College of New York episode. The meeting was adjourned at 10:58 p.m.

Donald W. Jackanicz, Secretary
Bertrand Russell Society

With President Rockler in the chair, the Society Business Meeting began at 10:40 a.m. as Secretary Donald W. Jackanicz read the Minutes of the June 12, 1992 Board of Directors Annual Meeting session. The membership agreed to dispense with the reading of the 1991 Annual Meeting Minutes. Treasurer Dennis J. Darland then reported that the current Treasury balance is $6,649.67.

Next, Sheila Turcon of the Bertrand Russell Archives spoke on recent developments at the Russell Archives and forthcoming Russell-related publications. Louis Greenspan of the Bertrand Russell Editorial Project then reported on the Project’s successes and problems. President Rockler read a June 10, 1992 letter to the Board of Directors from Kenneth Blackwell of the Bertrand Russell Archives, which thanked the Society for its “moral support and financial willingness” in connection with the publication of The Second Archives of Bertrand Russell.

Also read by President Rockler was a May 27, 1992 report from Chandrakala Padia concerning the May 10-11, 1992 Annual Conference of the Benares Chapter of The Bertrand Russell Society. It was moved by Marvin Kohl and unanimously accepted that McMaster University be given permission to use The Bertrand Russell Society’s membership list for fundraising purposes. Donald W. Jackanicz then reported on his recent work as Editor of Russell Society News.President Rockler reminded all members that any interested person may request to be on future annual meeting programs or suggest annual meeting program items.

Christos Tzanetakos then proposed that (1) the Society purchase copies of Russell’s Why I Am Not a Christian for distribution to philosophy students and (2) the Society send a letter to the government of New York City requesting the renaming of LaGuardia Airport to Bertrand Russell Airport as a way of making amends for the City’s actions relating to Russell’s City College of New York appointment. However, President Rockler ruled that this would have to be a matter to be considered by the Board of Directors.

In response to Book Award Committee Chairman Gladys Leithauser’s questions about how to consider non-English language books or books too technical for general readership, President Rockler stated that she has permission to appoint two new Committee members capable of assisting in the consideration of such books. Tim Madigan then provided information about the 1994 World Humanist Conference to be held in Hyderabad, India and the possibility of a Bertrand Russell Society session ‘there.

Following further discussion of Christos Tzanetakos’s proposals, Lee Eisler moved that the Board of Directors hold a second session that night. the Board members present voted as follows on this motion: Yes-7, No-1, Abstain-3. Jan Eisler suggested that for future annual meetings a pre-meeting day be scheduled for the Board of Directors meeting, but no formal motion was made on this matter.

Following Lee Eisler’s unanimously accepted motion to adjourn the meeting, President Rockler declared the Society Business Meeting adjourned at 11:58 a.m.

Donald W. Jackanicz, Secretary
Bertrand Russell Society

The 1992 Annual Meeting of The Bertrand Russell Society, Inc. was held from June 12 to June 14 at The American University, Washington, DC.

Friday, June 12, 1992

The meeting was called to order by President Michael J. Rockler at 7:30 p.m. in Room 220 of the Ward Circle Building. Following his welcoming remarks, President Rockler presented a Bertrand Russell Society Service Award to Gladys Leithauser. Joe Barnhart then presented his paper, “Psychotherapy and the Epistemology of Bertrand Russell and Karl Popper,” after which U. S. Congressman Neil Abercrombie spoke on “Russell’s Values and the 1992 Presidential Election.” The meeting was recessed at 10:05 p.m.

The first session of the 1992 Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors was then held. (See “BRS 1992 Annual Board of Directors Meeting Minutes” above.)

Saturday, June 13, 1992

President Rockler reconvened the meeting at 9:00 a.m. in Room 220 of the Ward Circle Building. Marvin Kohl presented a talk on “Russell and the Good Life.”

The Society Members Business Meeting began at 10:40 a.m. (See “BRS 1992 Annual Members Meeting Minutes” above.) The Society Members Business Meeting adjourned at 11:58 a.m.

Tim Madigan then spoke on “Russell’s Values and Contemporary Secular Humanism,” after which the meeting was recessed at 12:43 p.m.

Following lunch, President Rockler reconvened the meeting in Room 220 of the Ward Circle Building at 2:18 p i m , and presented his paper, “Popper’s Fallibilism and Russell’s Skepticism as Educational Perspectives.” Donald W. Jackanicz next offered a workshop on Russell’s 1960 Sonning Prize Address, “Old and Young Cultures.” The meeting was recessed at 4:30 p.m.

At 5:30 p.m. the Red Hackle Hour began at Quigleys, a restaurant located near The American University at 3201 New Mexico Avenue NW. At 7:15 p.m. the Banquet was held in the University Club of The American University’s Mary Graden Center.

Following the Banquet, Joe Barnhart presented the 1992 Bertrand Russell Society Award to Sir Karl Popper and accepted it on his behalf. Gladys Leithauser then presented the 1992 Bertrand Russell Society Book Award to Nicholas Griffin for Russell’s Idealist Apprenticeship. After his remarks of acceptance, Mr. Griffin read a draft version of his paper concerning Russell’s relationship with his first wife, Alys Pearsall Smith. The evening program concluded at 9:30 p.m.

The second session of the 1992 Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors was then held. (See “BRS 192 Annual Board of Directors Meeting Minutes” above.)

Sunday, June 14, 1992

The meeting was reconvened by President Rockler at 9:00 a.m. in Room 220 of the Ward Circle Building. Marvin Kohl provided information about The Association for the Study and Advancement of Supportive Values of which he is a founder. John Shosky next spoke on “An Intellectual Bias? Russell and Modal Logic.” Steven C. Shafer then presented his paper, “‘Witty, Pungent, Philosophical, Whimsical and Bitter’: Politicians’ Perceptions of Bertrand Russell in Britain.”

Following closing remarks by President Rockler, the meeting was adjourned at 11:58 a.m.

Donald W. Jackanicz, Secretary
Bertrand Russell Society

American University in Washington, D.C. was the site of the 1992 Annual Meeting of The Bertrand Russell Society, Inc., the weekend of June 12-14. A fine group of members and guests attended.

The following talks [and reports] were given:

Congressman Neil Abercrombie on “Russell’s Values and the 1992 Presidential Election.”

Joe Barnhart on “Psychotheraphy and the Epistemology of. Bertrand Russell and Karl Popper.”

Treasurer Dennis Darland on the current Treasury balance of $6649.67.

Louis Greenspan on the successes and problems of the Bertrand Russell Editorial Project, which publishes BR’s non-book writings.

Nick Griffin’s draft version of his paper on BR’s relationship with his first wife, Alys Pearsall Smith.

Don Jackanicz’s workshop on BR’s Sonning Prize address, “Old and Young Cultures.”

Marvin Kohl on “Russell and the Good Life.”

Tim Madigan on “Russell’s Values and Contemporary Secular Humanism.”

Michael Rockler on “Popper’s Fallibilism and Russell’s Skepticism as Educational Perspectives.”

Steve Shafer on “‘Witty, Pungent, Philosophical, Whimsical and Bitter’: Politicians’ Perceptions of Bertrand Russell in Britain.”

John Shosky on “An Intellectual Bias? Russell and Modal Logic.”

Sheila Turcon on recent developments at the Russell Archives (at McMaster University) and forthcoming Russell-related publications.

Ken Blackwell’s letter to the Board, thanking the Society for its “moral support and financial willingness” to help with the funding of The Second Archives of Bertrand Russell, was read by President Rockler.

Tim Madigan told about the 1994 World Humanist Conference in Hyderabad, India, and the possibility of a BRS session there.

Chandrakala Padia reported, by letter, on the May 1992 Annual Conference of the BRS Benares Chapter.

These Awards were made:

A Bertrand Russell Society Service Award to Gladys Leithauser, who [joined?] the BRS Book Award Committee some years ago, and has been chairing it with distinction ever since. Gladys may appoint two new Committee members qualified to assist in evaluating foreign language or technical books.

The 1992 Bertrand Russell Society Award to Sir Karl Popper. It was accepted on his behalf by Joe Barnhart. Sir Karl, who is 90, had intended to attend this BRS meeting in Washington if his schedule permitted him to make the long journey from Britain, but, alas, it did not.

The 1992 Bertrand Russell Society Book Award to Nicholas Griffin for his Russell’s Idealist Apprenticeship.

The following interesting proposals were made, and discussed, but no action was taken:

To distribute BR’ s Why I Am Not a Christian to philosophy students.

To request New York City to rename LaGuardia Airport the Bertrand Russell Airport, to make amends for the city’s part in the outrageous decision in the 1940 CCNY Bertrand Russell case.

To hold future Board of Directors’ meetings on the Thursday before the Society’s annual weekend meeting in June.

On Friday, there was a Red Hackle Hour at Quigleys, a nearby oasis (the campus is dry), followed by the Saturday Evening Banquet at the University Club.

In sum, the 1992 Annual Meeting was good one!

Lee Eisler, VP/Information
Bertrand Russell Society

The BRS Directors met on Friday and Saturday, June 12 and 13. The meeting was open to all members, as it always is. Directors present were Jack Cowles, Dennis Darland, Lee Eisler, Don Jackanicz, John Jackanicz, Bob James, Dave Johnson, Marvin Kohl, Gladys Leithauser, John Lenz, Hugh Moorhead, Steve Reinhardt, Michael Rockler, and Warren Smith.

The following decisions were made:

The present slate of officers was appointed for another year:

Chairman, Marvin Kohl
President, Michael Rockler
Vice President, John Lenz
Vice President/Information, Lee Eisler
Secretary of the Board and of the Society, Don Jackanicz
Treasurer, Dennis Darland

The 1993 Bertrand Russell Society Award will go to Harry Ruja.

The 1993 Annual Meeting will be held in San Diego, because that’s where Harry lives. The date is June 18-20.

The BRS Grant Program will be replaced by a “Prize for a Paper” program. Its chief features are: a prize (or two) for the best paper(s) written by a regularly enrolled graduate student or undergraduate, who will present his or her paper at the next BRS Annual Meeting, and receive a first year membership in the BRS. All of the winner’s expenses will be paid; a stipend will also be paid. John Lenz, whose idea this was, will chair a committee to administer the program.

The BRS will increase the amount it pays to the Russell Archives for members’ subscriptions to Russell. $1 increase in 1993. $2.50 increase in 1994. In U.S. currency.

There was considerable discussion of proposals made by Christos Tzanetakos: (1) to attempt to overturn legally the outrageous decision in the 1940 CCNY Bertrand Russell Case, and (2) to give BR’s Why I Am Not a Christian to philosophy students.

A proposal by Lee Eisler to publicize the 1940 CCNY case – as a means of getting publicity for the BRS, regardless of whether the decision is (or could be) legally overturned – was also discussed. Chairman Marvin Kohl will appoint a committee to explore the publicity possibilities of the 1940 case.

Thus endeth the Directors’ meeting.