Dr. J. Ralph Lindgren worked for the majority of his career at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, where he was recognized as a professor emeritus in 1995.
BETHLEHEM, PA, September 13, 2019 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Marquis Who's Who, the world's premier publisher of biographical profiles, is proud to present J. Ralph Lindgren, PhD, with the Albert Nelson his professional network, and has been noted for achievements, leadership qualities, and the credentials and successes he has accrued in his field. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
With more than three decades of professional experience to his credit, Dr. Lindgren worked for the majority of his career at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, where he was recognized as a professor emeritus in 1995. Initially joining the university as an assistant professor of philosophy in 1965, he became an associate professor of philosophy in 1969, advanced to the position of a full professor of philosophy in 1979, and achieved the titles of a William Wilson Selfridge professor of philosophy in 1985 and the Clara H. Stewardson professor of philosophy in 1989. During his extensive tenure, Dr. Lindgren also served as the chair of the Department of Philosophy from 1973 to 1985 and the director of legal studies from 1979 to 1994.
Dr. Lindgren began his career in 1962 as an instructor at College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, holding this role until 1964, when he was promoted to assistant professor of philosophy. Furthermore, throughout his career he has maintained affiliated with a number of professional organizations, including the International Association for the Semiotics of Law. Dr. Lindgren was notably active on the executive board of the National Society of Philosophy and Public Affairs in 1987 and the executive board for the International Association for the Philosophy of Law and Social Philosophy from 1981 to 1983 and 1989 to 1991.
Before embarking on his professional path, Dr. Lindgren first studied at Northwestern University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration. During his time at Northwestern, he found himself greatly inspired by his professors Francis McMann and Yves Simon. Ultimately realizing that he did not wish to pursue a career in business, Dr. Lindgren decided to pursue further education at Marquette University, where he obtained a Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in philosophy in 1961 and 1963, respectively.
Drawing on his graduate training on the history of philosophy, Dr. Lindgren performed much work exposing the central themes of the 18th century economist, Adam Smith. With his research encompassing the entire body of Smith's work, the interpretations he made position Smith as more than just an episode in the prehistory of modern economics. This extensive study of Smith's works culminated in the publication of two books, "The Early Writings of Adam Smith" in 1967 and "The Social Philosophy of Adam Smith" in 1973. These books on the philosophical history of Adam Smith proved to be very influential.
Additionally, after Dr. Lindgren's sabbatical at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, he was inspired to design a course in the law of sex discrimination, which was to be taught at the undergraduate level. This was the first course of its kind. Dr. Lindgren's interest in examining sex discrimination did not abate, and he proceeded to publish "Sex Discrimination in Higher Education" in 1984 and "The Law of Sex Discrimination" in 1984. "The Law of Sex Discrimination" is now in its fourth edition as of 2011.
Having published a total of 12 books over the course of his career, Dr. Lindgren's other books include "Horizon of Justice," "Semiotics and the Human Sciences," "The Law Versus the People," "The Lindgren/Tryon Genealogy" and "Backsliding," a book of photography. He has also authored dozens of essays and delivered numerous public lectures in such diverse fields as philosophy, law, semiotics, genealogy, and photography. The recipient of a research grant from the National Science Foundation, he has also been invited to participate at professional conferences in such places as Rio de Janeiro and Cambridge, England.
Throughout his residency in Bethlehem, Dr. Lindgren has been incredibly active in the civic life of his community. When his children were young, this included participation in the Boy Scouts of America, the Girl Scouts of the United States of America, Little League, and the Special Olympics. He also spent several years as a committeeman for the local Democratic Ward from 1972 to 1984. After his retirement, he became active in, and an officer of, the Bethlehem Garden Club, the Bethlehem Historic District Association, the Bethlehem-Tondabayashi Sister City Commission, and the Bethlehem Human Relations Commission. Furthermore, Dr. Lindgren actively participated in two local photography clubs and was the senior pruner of the Bethlehem Japanese Garden of Serenity for 25 years.
Having achieved much over the course of his career, Dr. Lindgren attributes his success to three factors. First, he credits his embracing the spirit of enlightenment early on, which he regards as the courage to think for oneself. Dr. Lindgren believes that critical thinking is the core to self-realization.
Secondly, Dr. Lindgren feels he could not have succeeded without the help of others, especially those who cared enough to share their reservations about his attitudes and beliefs. His friends, family, teachers, and colleagues all helped to challenge him to greater thoroughness and inspired him to reach beyond his comfort zone. Lastly, and most importantly, Dr. Lindgren feels he owes much to luck and to have been fortunate to live in a time when lower middle class children could afford to pursue higher education and the job market for philosophers was particularly welcoming.
Born in Oak Park, Illinois, on October 8, 1933, Dr. Lindgren is the son of J. Francis Lindgren and Leona G. Toussaint. Married to his wife, the late Shirley A. Tryon, for many happy years, he is the proud father of five children, Thomas, Michael, David, Timothy, and Kathryn. He is also a doting grandfather to six wonderful grandchildren. In his retirement, Dr. Lindgren enjoys genealogy, travel, gardening, photography, and cooking.
In recognition of outstanding contributions to his profession and the Marquis Who's Who community, Dr. Lindgren has been featured on the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement website. Please visit www.ltachievers.com for more information about this honor.
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