News

Former philosophy, political science professor dies at 77

A former philosophy and political science professor in the College of Arts and Sciences has died.

Edward McClennen, who was 77, retired from Syracuse University earlier this year after teaching at the university since 2003, according to a Wednesday SU News release.  He died Nov. 2.

He was recognized for his work in moral and political philosophy and in game theory, or the study of strategic decision-making in competitive situations. As a result of one of the many grants he received throughout his career, McClennen helped draft a bill of rights for a new Libyan constitutional. Even as he suffered from serious health problems, McClennen continued to publish in top journals, and accumulated more than 50 published articles in his career, according to the release.

Within his study of decision and game theory, McClennen focused on the application of foundational issues in social and political philosophy, public policy and other areas. He was a National Endowment for the Humanities fellow in 1989, according to the release.

McClennen received his doctoral degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1968. Before coming to SU, McClennen spent most of his career at Washington University in St. Louis and Bowling Green State University. He also spent a few years at the London School of Economics and held visiting appointments at institutions such as Harvard University, the University of Pittsburgh, Rutgers University and the University of Rochester, according to the release.



He leaves behind his wife, Ellen Esrock, and his children Nathaniel and Sarah, according to the release.





Top Stories