Collection ID: 2000.006.0001

Collection context

Summary

Creator:
Steinkraus, Warren E.
Abstract:
Papers of SUNY Oswego Philosophy Department faculty member Dr. Warren Steinkraus, a professor of religion and philosophy from 1964 to 1987. The papers reflect the varied and wide-ranging interests of Dr. Steinkraus. They include originals and copies of his prolific writings: essays, books, book chapters, editorials, letters to the editors, reports, correspondence, conference papers and speeches, and journal articles.
Extent:
17 linear feet
Language:
English French German Japanese

Background

Scope and Content:

The 17 boxes consist of folders arranged by subject, keeping to a chronological order as much as possible. Three boxes consist of correspondence between Dr. Steinkraus and many people; this is in alphabetical order by the correspondents' last name. Also included are course outlines, bibliographies, tests, and other materials pertaining to the courses he taught at various colleges and universities from 1949 to 1990. There are copius clippings, articles, ads, and other materials that Dr. Steinkraus collected. Many reflect his firm stand on anti-militarism and anti-nuclear war, and his interest in art and aesthetics. His notes and writings on his strong interests in philosophers Brightman, Kant, Bowne, Hegel, and Berkeley are included. Also included are sermons he gave as a pastor over many decades and his notes and papers on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Gandhi.

Biographical / Historical:

Warren Edward Steinkraus was born in Boston, Massachusetts on February 14, 1922, to John Herman and Florence Rabe Steinkraus. He graduated with an A. B. from Baldwin-Wallace College, Ohio, in 1943 with Honors in Philosophy. His S.T.B. degree, magna cum laude, was from Boston University in 1946. He received a Ph.D. in 1952 from Boston University. His Ph.D. dissertation was "The Given in Certain Epistemological Theories Since 1920." Post-doctoral studies were at State University of Iowa in 1956-1957, Harvard University, Cambridge University, and Heidelberg University.

Dr. Steinkraus taught at Emerson College, Massachusetts (1946-1949), Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa (1949-1950), DePauw University, Indiana (1950-1956), Iowa Wesleyan University (1956-1959), and Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky (1959-1964). He began teaching Philosophy at Oswego in 1964. In honor of his career at Oswego the annual Warren Steinkraus Lectures on Human Ideals were established by the college in 1988.

While at SUNY Oswego he taught Introduction to Philosophy, History of Ancient Philosophy, History of Modern Philosophy, Ethics, Philosophy of Religion, History of Living Religions, Logic, Survey of Old Testament, Survey of New Testament, Seminar in Plato, and Seminar in Readings. Dr. Steinkraus retired in December 1987.

At each institution he was involved with campus, community, and church activities. While at DePauw University was elected to the Indiana State Board of the Civil Liberties Union.

He co-founded the international Gandhi-King Society in Boston with Dr. Paul Kuntz, which is a sub-group of the Association of American Philosophy.

Dr. Steinkraus was a prolific author and speaker. His various interests included conjuring, model railroading, stamp collecting, peaceful protests, anti-militarism, and the anti-nuclear movement. He was active in choral groups and musical affairs of high quality, including Oswego's College Community Orchestra. He was proficient in several languages.

His sabbaticals were in England and India, serving as a visiting professor at Banaras Hindu University in India.

He was a member of the Hegel Society of America, the Creighton Club, the International Berkeley Society, the Metaphysical Society of America, the National Model Railroad Association, the National Association of Biblical Instructors, the American Philosophical Association, the American Society for Aesthetics, North American Society for Social Philosophy, and the American Association of University Professors.

Dr. Steinkraus died on February 19, 1990. He was survived by his wife Barbara Steinkraus, daughter Elizabeth Steinkraus Bright, and two granddaughters, Rachel and Sarah Bright.

Access

RESTRICTIONS:

This collection is open to the public

TERMS OF ACCESS:

Please contact SUNY Oswego Archives and Special Collections for use restrictions.

LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
Penfield Library
7060 State Route 104
Oswego, NY 13126, United States
CONTACT: