"Terming Thomas Jefferson "The Philosopher of Democracy," Dr. Whittemore talks about Jefferson's attitudes toward government, religion and slavery. He traces Jefferson's life and the influence he has had upon American thought. He spends some time on "The Declaration of Independence." (Description adapted from documents in the NET Microfiche) The purpose of the series is to explain the background and development of American thought and philosophy. Starting with the Puritans, various philosophies and trends of thinking are traced to the mid-nineteenth century. Each episode is basically a lecture, in which Professor Robert C. Whittemore uses various groups and other visual aids. His lectures are planned for a general adult audience. Dr. Robert C. Whittemore, the acting head of the Department of Philosophy at Tulane University, has appeared on at least 138 educational television programs in the past three years. He has appeared on the History of Ideas, Great Religions, and The American Mind. He has also appeared on many panel shows. He is the author of fifteen articles, mostly on metaphysical and theological subject. Dr. Whittemore has also contributed approximately thirty articles to American People's Encyclopedia. A book reviewer, he is now working on two books himself. The Growth of the American Mind, a book based upon this TV series, will be published in the Fall 1961 and In God We Live, an analytic history of pantheism, will be published in the Fall 1962. Dr. Whittemore's educational specialists are philosophical theology, American philosophy, and comparative religion. He received his Ph.D. in philosophy from Yale University and was an instructor there for 1950 to 1952. The series was produced by WYES-TV, New Orleans, Louisiana. The 12 half-hour episodes that comprise the series were originally recorded on videotape. (Description adapted from documents in the NET Microfiche)
