Professor Arthur Herman

Yes, it can be a shock when an important person in your life dies.  It can happen unexpectedly, of course, but as we age, there is more and more concern about death. Prof. Arthur Herman of the UWSP philosophy department died recently. He was in his mid-90's so his death was not unexpected.

Some years ago, Prof. Herman gave a talk about the basics of Buddhism.  He specialized in Eastern thought and was able to read the language Sanskrit.  His talk gave me an introduction to religious ideas that are not based on the idea of an all-powerful supreme being.  He wrote several books including "The Ways of Philosophy".