July 10, 2005
Professor Nolan
I’ve just heard some marvellous news which I must share. On the first of October this year, Daniel Nolan will become Professor of Theoretical Philosophy at St Andrews. Daniel is 32. This will make him the youngest full Professor, as far as I know, in Philosophy.
It also makes him one of the youngest Philosophers ever to have received a Professorial appointment.
Wow.
I’m very pleased to hear this as Daniel is not only one of the brightest people I’ve had the pleasure of associating with, but also one of the nicest. Daniel wears his intellect lightly, is never condescending or aloof, and always has time to discuss and explain arguments - something he manages to do without making his interlocutor feel stupid or ignorant (a rare and fine gift).
He’s also a generous and sociable soul - he frequently came out for drinks with us when I was in St Andrews and was forever insisting we poor grad students put our money away. Hanging out with Daniel was certainly one of the highlights of my visit to St Andrews. In fact, I recall a memorable evening with Daniel, Eliza and John Divers, drinking and chatting until all the pubs had closed, then going back to our place in Freddie Tait St and consuming single malt (Ardbeg) and chewing the fat through the pre-dawn hours.
Like me, Daniel was raised in Queensland and did his undergrad and honours degrees at UQ. I believe he is still the youngest person in Australia to have submitted a PhD in Philosophy for examination. Since his PhD was awarded, it has taken him only seven years to make full Professor.
Congratulations Professor Nolan!
