Professor Páll Skúlason, who is Rector at the University of Iceland and Professor of Philosophy, will be swapping the glaciers of Iceland for the Granite City next week when he visits the University of Aberdeen.
Professor Skúlason, will deliver a College of Arts and Social Sciences Public Lecture on Monday, May 3, on the theme of a book he is writing on the idea of a University.
He defends the traditional idea of a University being devoted to a 'studium', the pursuit of learning for learning's sake in a collegial association of scholars.
Professor Skúlason is a widely respected academic and is author of several publications including Pælingar (Speculations; 1987), Siðfræði (Ethics; 1990), Menning og sjálfstæði (Culture and Independence;1994).
Dr Nigel Dower, lecturer in the School of Divinity, History and Philosophy, at the University of Aberdeen, said: "It will be a great pleasure to welcome Páll Skúlason back to Aberdeen. He has been here several times before including a period in 1995 as a Thomas Reid Institute Visiting Scholar.
"His visit also reciprocates the various visits several members of the Philosophy Department have made over the last 12 years to the University of Iceland. His philosophical interests in nature and culture combined with his practical experience as the head of the University of Iceland in the last few years give him a special insight into the proper nature of a University in the context of the modern world."
Professor Seth Kunin, acting head of the School of Divinity, History and Philosphy, at the University of Aberdeen, will chair the lecture, entitled Two Models of University Governance.
It will be held in King's College KCG8 (south east corner of Old Quadrangle) at 5.15pm, followed by a reception in the Linklater Rooms at 6.45pm.
Professor Skúlason's lecture will provide the theme for a seminar discussion on Tuesday, May 4, at 1pm in Committee Room 2, University Administration Building (east end, off Regent Walk, near King Street).
The discussion will join Professor Skúlason with Dr Dower, and fellow lecturer Professor Gordon Graham.