Introduction

Abstract

Upon receiving his PhD from Yale University in 1959, Richard T. De George accepted the position of Assistant Professor at the University of Kansas (KU). He rose quickly through the ranks, becoming Associate Professor in 1962, Full professor in 1964, and a University Distinguished Professor in 1972, a position he held until May of 2012 when he retired. This special issue is devoted to the substantial body of work that Richard produced in those 53 years. We celebrate and honor his work in the best way we know how, by engaging with it. We challenge his claims, take inspiration from them, critique fine points, look for mistaken underlying assumptions, and poke and prod in a variety of ways, always recognizing the value of his clear and straightforward thinking.