Percy-L: Literary, Religious, Scientific, and Philosophical Discussion of Walker Percy

["Basil David Burns" <bazburns AT hotmail.com>]

Dear Percy-lover-list-servers,

I just wanted t0 introduce myself to the list, and perhaps spark some discussion.  My name is Fr. Basil Burns, O.S.B., and I am a doctoral student in philosophy at the University of Dallas.  Dr. Percy is, quite literally, "buried in my backyard."  I am a monk of St. Joseph Abbey in Covington where he used to take retreats, though I entered the monastery too late to ever know him personally.  I know his wife, and am friends with his grandson, John Walker.  I spent a year living with the family of Dr. Russell Kirk, the critic and historian, and he always spoke very highly of Dr. Percy. 

I am considering writing a dissertation on Walker Percy's philosophy of language, and its particular relationship with find the "new theory of man" for the modern age that he so ardently sought.  I know that he always wanted to write a more coherent book on the subject, but was never able to tie things together.  As far as I know, no one has attempted this specific project.  I have looked up dissertations on Walker Percy that touch on his language theory, but they usually are from a literary rather than a philosophical perspective.  I think that perhaps I might be able to make a contribution to this field.

I do not know whether or not this project will be approved by the powers that be -- but it's the best idea that I have come up with so far.  I have taken several language theory classes in anticipation of the possible project, and will wait to see what Providence unfolds.  In any case, I wanted to offer a cordial "hello" and see if anyone had any thoughts.

Many blessings to you all.

Fr. Basil Burns, O.S.B.

Monk of St. Josephy Abbey

Covington, LA