The Janet Prindle Institute for Ethics at DePauw University, which encourages reflection and debate on important ethical questions, attracts some of the country's most distinguished scholars—and this spring, Candace Jordan '12 will be joining their ranks.

Jordan is one of 27 students from across the nation who have been invited to the Prindle Institute's 2010 Undergraduate Ethics Symposium, to be held April 8-10. Jordan will give a presentation and participate in a seminar led by a visiting scholar or writer.

Applicants to the symposium were required to submit an academic essay or work of fiction, preferably relating to this year's topic:“Altruism, Self-Interest, and Morality: Religious, Social, or Evolutionary Perspectives.” Jordan's essay, which she'll present, addresses the concern that consequentialists (those whose actions maximize the greater good) will be unable to commit to their relationships in the right ways, because, she says,“of a constant demand that [their] resources be distributed elsewhere.” She wrote the piece for a fall 2009 philosophy class called“Morality, Impartiality, and Friendship,” taught by Visiting Instructor of Philosophy Daniel Koltonski.

“I think one important reason why [Jordan's] essay turned out so well was that she chose as her topic something that puzzled her, something that she herself wanted to figure out,” says Koltonski.“She was driven by her own curiosity.”

Jordan, who is deciding between a major in religion or philosophy, is looking forward to collaborating with and learning from fellow undergraduates at the symposium.“Ultimately, I hope to be inspired by other talented students and academics,” she says.

Assistant Professor of Religion Terrence Johnson, who suggested that Jordan apply for the symposium, describes the sophomore as“thoughtful, substantive and sincere in both her classroom presentations and writing assignments.” He adds,“She sees Haverford as the space in which she may discover and deepen her intellectual voice.”

-Brenna McBride