Honorary Doctors at the Faculty of Arts 2018

The Faculty Board of Arts has decided to confer honorary doctorates on Johnny Hagberg and Charles Burnett.

‘I’m delighted to be able to point to the great scope of the humanities by awarding honorary doctorates to two individuals both focusing on texts and languages. Professor Burnett’s research on translation and historical dissemination of scientific texts shows how dependent modern science is on other cultures and languages. Pastor Hagberg’s work, on the other hand, aims to unveil different historical layers of identity formation through changes in local cultural and religious life in a small and very specific region,’ says Marie Demker, dean of the Faculty of Arts, University of Gothenburg.

Honorary Doctor of Theology 2018

Johnny Hagberg, pastor (emeritus) in Järpås Parish has been appointed Honorary Doctor of Theology 2018.

As chair of Föreningen för Västgötalitteratur (the association for literature from the Västgöta region of Sweden) and Skara stiftshistoriska sällskap (Skara Diocese Historical Society), Hagberg has long administered the publishing of scholarly anthologies, monographs and other texts that have made important contributions to the historical understanding of the Västergötland region and the Diocese of Skara, and therefore also to Swedish research in the humanities.

‘The honorary doctorate means a lot to me. I never imagined it would happen. It means that my efforts are appreciated. The appointment gives me strength and inspiration to continue my work,’ says Hagberg.

At the moment, he is planning the publishing next year of the 100th issue in one of the writing series.

‘One upcoming book is about Johan Henriksson Rytter, who after his military service became governor of Älvsborg County and commandant in Gothenburg. He died in 1644 and was buried at Stora Levene Church. It will be an anthology with several co-authors.’

Honorary Doctor of Philosophy 2018

Charles Burnett, professor of the history of Islamic influences in Europe at the Warburg Institute, University of London, has been appointed Honorary Doctor of Philosophy 2018.

Burnett is an internationally leading researchers with a remarkably extensive background in classical philology and the history of philosophy and science. His main research interest is in the medieval development of ideas and in particular the transmission of Arabic sciences and philosophy into the Latin tradition in Western Europe.

Burnett’s scholarly production is staggering in terms of both quality and quantity, and he is also well known for his exceptional ability to collaborate with others. His ties with the University of Gothenburg, as well as other Nordic universities, reflect an exceptional collegial attitude to the international scholarly community.

Both Burnett and Hagberg will be present and receive their insignias at the annual conferment of doctoral degrees ceremony at the Swedish Exhibition and Congress Centre on 19 October.

Photo of Johnny Hagberg: Eddie Rudolfsson
Photo of Charles Burnett: The Warburg Institute