Symbol and Existence

American author Walker Percy (1916-1990) was one of the most prominent Southern writers of the twentieth century. Known for his poetic style and depiction of alienation in modern American culture, Percy was the bestselling author of six fiction titles, including the classic novel The Moviegoer (winner of the 1962 National Book Award), and three works of nonfiction. Educated at the University of North Carolina and the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University, he was a charter member of the Fellowship of Southern Writers.

Kenneth Laine Ketner is P.W. Horn Professor and director of the Institute for Studies in Pragmaticism at Texas Tech University. He holds a BA in Philosophy from Oklahoma State University, an MA in Folklore and Mythology from the University of California at Los Angeles and a PhD in Philosophy from the University of California at Santa Barbara.

Karey Lea Perkins has taught literature, writing, and philosophy for over thirty years. She holds a BA in English and a BA in Religion from Wake Forest University, an MA in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and an MA in Philosophy and a PhD in English from Georgia State University. Rhonda Reneé McDonnell is a professor of American Literature and Composition at Northern Virginia Community College. She holds a PhD in American Literature from Arizona State University. Scott Ross Cunningham is assistant director for Research Operations at The Institute for Studies in Pragmaticism at Texas Tech University. He holds a BA in Philosophy from Texas Tech University and is ABD in Educational Psychology at Texas Tech University.