Russell Blackwood, the John Stewart Kennedy Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, died Jan. 12 at the age of 78. He arrived at Hamilton in 1957 and, following his retirement, continued to teach regular courses on the Hill as recently as last fall. The Alumni Review has received numerous letters marking his passing and honoring his legacy. His obituary is available here.
For me Russ Blackwood embodied the essence of Hamilton. He was teacher, mentor, role model, taskmaster, cheerleader and friend. My first exposure to Russ and philosophy was his introductory survey course in my sophomore year. A graduate of a public high school, I had no experience with philosophy, and my first exposure to "the history of ideas" was revelatory. I went on to minor in philosophy and to take several Blackwood-led seminars in Eastern religious thought and practice.
I babysat the Blackwood girls and drank martinis in front of the Blackwood fire.
Russ Blackwood was a fine teacher and a better man, and I join what I am sure are hundreds if not thousands of fellow alums in mourning his loss, celebrating his life and expressing gratitude for the privilege of having spent time in his company. Mike Kaiser '62
I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Professor Russell Blackwood. I had Professor Blackwood as a teacher for the course we called "Histo Philo" as a sophomore at Kirkland College. This was considered a "bread and butter" course, and we were all terrified to take it, given what we'd heard about it. However, I loved this course, in part due to the delightful teaching style and warmth of Professor Blackwood. He "turned me on" to philosophy. I believe the analytical skills I learned in that course have stayed with me to this day. Paula Chavkin, K '76
I cannot stress enough how much Professor Blackwood and his teachings have become an integral part of my daily life. He encouraged me to think beyond the set boundaries, to seek explanations to problems or issues never pondered before, and most importantly to never stop asking: "Why?"
I remember a time when we got into a heated discussion in our Islamic Thought class where he kept on probing "Why?" to all my comments in class, until I realized that my entire argument was built upon assumptions--which by themselves were problematic. Just like Socrates, he never gave you a straight answer, and I guess his quest was to make you understand by making you realize that the answer to your question was always within you.
Professor Blackwood, you will be missed and revered till the end of time and will forever stay part of me as my thoughts and my philosophy. Your student forever, S. Wamiq Jawaid '05
I have had many good teachers in my life, most of whom taught at Hamilton. Of them all, Professor Russell Blackwood was hands down the best. In Histo Westo Philo he could describe the most abstract idea as if he were displaying the ax handle and blade we all remember from his paper assignments. Great man. James H. Morey '83
Professor Blackwood was my mentor, and I considered him a friend. He retired the year I graduated, and I was so proud to be part of a ceremony that honored him. He always said I reminded him of his daughter; that I was capable of doing anything if I just put my mind to it (evidently it was this aspect of my personality that reminded him of his daughter). He knew so often I did not give things my best effort, but he always believed in me.
I took a philosophy class my freshman year, never intending it to be my major, and Professor Blackwood was the professor. I remember he asked us, "How do you know the difference between Bob Marley and a baked potato?" He was always asking questions that seemed to make no sense but always had a point, if you listened. I also remember writing a précis on "The Metamorphosis" for him, during which I realized how he was trying to show us a different way of seeing the world.
And I remember the day I graduated, as we walked out of the fieldhouse, into the sun, with our professors lined on each side, how he stepped out of line, took my hand and hugged me. It was a moment I have never forgotten. If I hadn't taken his class freshman year, if he hadn't encouraged me, I believe I would not have become the person, the lawyer, I am today. He taught me how to see a problem from all sides, an invaluable skill. He is a man to whom I am greatly in debt, and a teacher I will never forget. Jennifer Johnson Taylor '95
I write this letter with deep sadness at the loss of one of Hamilton's most engaging and supportive professors during my time on the Hill, Russell Blackwood.
I was a student who received an early education at Hamilton as part of the school's Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), and Professor Blackwood was instrumental in teaching us an introduction to philosophy, with emphasis on logical and Socratic thought. I even remember his homemade logic computer that he brought to class from time to time, and how he used that tangled snarl of electric wires and alternating current to explain, in simple terms, how philosophical and logical thought are part of everything in our lives.
Professor Blackwood was a kind and understanding soul on campus, and was willing to help any student who had a question, no matter the topic or the time of day. In fact, one of my fondest memories of Professor Blackwood occurred just two years ago, when for my 20th reunion at Hamilton, I participated in my first Alumni College lecture and seminar. Among the alumni and volunteers attending my class on that June morning was Professor Blackwood, who arrived unannounced, sat down in the front row of the Red Pit, and watched with great intent and interest at the presentation—as if, for one quick moment, the roles of student and teacher were reversed. My sincere condolences and prayers to his family, his co-workers and the thousands of students who were part of Professor Blackwood's engaging and thought-provoking classes. Chuck Miller '85
I was very saddened to hear about Professor Blackwood's passing. I graduated from Hamilton over a decade ago, and I still have fond memories of my many interactions with him. He was a wonderful teacher—I took a couple of his classes, including Intro to Philosophy and Eastern/Western Thought—and had a very gentle way of driving students to meet his high standards. I remember that slipping grammatical standards were his pet peeve. One of his favorite tactics to counter this would be to count the number of times a student said the word "like" in a comment and mention that fact to them after they finished speaking! It was unnerving and remarkably effective in making all of us more thoughtful about how we spoke.
More important, I remember him as a great friend and mentor to me and many international students like me. Small, thoughtful gestures: He knew that many international students didn't have cars, and would drive us to the local grocery store regularly. One year, he helped me supplement my summer income by giving me a part-time job taking care of his garden. He would be puttering away in the garden as well, and precisely at noon, his wife would bring us out delicious egg salad sandwiches and iced tea. I remember these moments vividly.
I was in touch with him regularly for a few years after graduation, but then we drifted out of touch over the years. I regret that deeply now, because knowing Professor Blackwood was one of the highlights of my time at Hamilton. I'll miss him. Rahul Roy-Chowdhury '95
I was certainly saddened to hear of the loss of Professor Blackwood. However, thinking about him brought a quick smile to my face and caused me to chuckle just a bit. Professor Blackwood was my advisor my first two years at Hamilton. He was the perfect advisor for a somewhat intense 18-year-old from New Jersey!
He had this great office in the basement of Kirkland Dorm. It was furnished with a large fish tank and comfortable pillows to sit on. I remember sitting with him my first semester reviewing the placement tests I had taken and plotting my courses. He conspicuously forgot to mention my chemistry placement exam. When I asked about it, he told me that he had received a call from the Chemistry Department, and there was only laughing on the other end of the line. "Was that about you?" he asked. Needless to say, chemistry didn't make my course list that term!
He was always open to me studying whatever I wanted. He encouraged me to have fun and enjoy my classes. I took courses in math, religion, English, economics, and anthropology. Somehow Professor Blackwood helped me see the sense and order in the diversity of my schedule.
I did take his class in Islamic study as well as his senior seminar in philosophy. He fostered an environment for great discussions. He challenged the group to think innovatively and consider new approaches and ideas. Stephanie Nelson Wimmer '90
I graduated Hamilton in 1974, majoring in philosophy. I was fortunate enough to know Professor Blackwood, to learn from him, and to view on a daily basis his intelligence, kindness and wit. I am deeply saddened to learn of his death. May he rest in peace.
I often tell the story of how one morning Professor Blackwood began a class discussion of Plato by asking one student what he thought of the Republic. "I didn't really understand it," the student sheepishly confessed. "You're anticipating Kant, who didn't understand Plato either," Professor Blackwood replied. I have never seen a better instance of a teacher gently converting a student's self-confessed "ignorance" into wisdom. We all left the classroom so much the wiser. William F. Cuozzi '74
When I entered Hamilton in 1960, I was intent on math, science and English. I don't quite remember why, but some course requirement or elective choice caused me to sign up for philosophy and religion with Professor Blackwood, even though I had little background or interest in either. After one year, I signed on for another, and then a third, and very much liked all. The breadth of information and understanding provided by the professor and by the reading material he recommended have served me better in life than math, science or, possibly, English.
Had many more people had the opportunity to understand the philosophy and religious beliefs of others worldwide, I am convinced that the world would be in a much better state than what we live with today. I am indebted to Professor Blackwood and to the tradition of broad liberal arts education which Hamilton provided. Jim Barbour '64
I took Intro to Philosophy with Professor Blackwood in the fall of 1982. He taught us to think logically about abstract ideas.
"If wishes were horses, beggars would ride." He would say this whenever a student tried to base an argument on a hypothetical but false assumption. A student might say, "But if human beings acted consistently in their best interest, then …" Professor Blackwood would respond, "If wishes were horses …"
He would use story scenarios to pose philosophical problems. One I remember best involved a young child, and posed the question of intent in determining the morality of an action:
A young child is being attacked by a vicious dog. A neighbor sees the attack, grabs his shotgun, aims at the dog, and accidentally shoots and kills the child. Or imagine another child, being attacked by a dog. A neighbor thinks "I'm sick of that child making noise and bothering me." He grabs his shotgun, aims at the child, and accidentally shoots and kills the dog, thereby saving the child's life. Which of the two actions was moral?
I still think of these, and other teachings of Professor Blackwood, when I find myself confused by an ethical or philosophical challenge. The tools he gave me help me navigate through those muddy waters, knowing that even if I don't have answers, I'm not going to be misled by faulty logic. Meg Gates Newswanger '86
Although I was a biology major and went on to continue my formal education for ten more years (becoming an orthopaedic surgeon) after taking Dr. Blackwood's Philosophy of Religion course as a sophomore at Hamilton, it is Dr. Blackwood whom I referenced in my upcoming book Street Smarts for the Practicing Physician and Surgeon. For me he is unforgettable, and I deeply mourn his passing. Robert A. Schultz '69
We often fail to reflect on those who have influenced our lives. Upon hearing of the passing of Professor Blackwood, I took time to reflect on how he has influenced mine. During my days at Hamilton, he was my teacher, my advisor, my mentor but above all a friend. He helped shape my beliefs, engaging and challenging me to understand my passions and linking these to my ambitions. His tutelage encouraged me to step out into the world, experience life and continue a lifelong pursuit of discovery.
I cherish these treasures Professor Blackwood imparted to me during my time at Hamilton. I carry them with me every day. Below is a passage from one of the texts Professor Blackwood used to teach his course on Buddhism. I think it is a fair reflection of the man.
A Flower Does Not Talk by Zenkai Shibayama
Silently a flower blooms, In silence it falls away: Yet here now, at this moment, at this place, the whole of the flower, the whole of the world is blooming. This is the talk of the flower, the truth of the blossom; The glory of eternal life is fully shining here. Mark Drexelius '89
