Sallyportal: Madly Blogging Reed

Seniors Grasp Philosophy Prize

By Chris Lydgate ’90 on May 26, 2015 03:51 PM

Philosophy major Eliya Cohen ’15 explains a metaphysical dilemma at the Reed pool. She won the Garlan Prize for her thesis on the problems of time and tense. Photo by Jenn McNeal ’14

Philosophy majors Eliya Cohen ’15 and John Mills ’15 have both won the exalted Edwin N. Garlan Memorial Prize, which recognizes outstanding scholarship in philosophy. 

"It was quite an honor to receive the Garlan Prize," says John, whose thesis is titled “Revealed Peer Disagreement and The Equal Weight View.” His advisor was Prof. Mark Bedau ’76 [philosophy 1991–]. He hails from Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

Philosophy major John Mills ’15 won the Garlan Prize for his thesis on disagreement. Photo by Christopher Mills

Eliya’s thesis is titled “Some Considerations on Problems of Time and Tense.” Her advisor was Prof. Mark Hinchliff [philosophy 1991–]. In addition to her philosophical leanings, Eliya worked as a lifeguard at the Reed pool, where she figured out an innovative way to pursue the metaphysics of swimming. She hails from Piedmont, California.

The prize was established by a group of alumni to honor the iconic Prof. Ed Garlan [philosophy 1946–73] and is awarded to graduating seniors who have "demonstrated an ability to carry out truly outstanding scholarship in philosophy." It includes a gift certificate for philosophy books.

Tags: brilliant students