October 26, 2015
In Memoriam: Dr. Matthew S. Pugh, associate professor of philosophy; expert on Asian philosophy; ‘Star Trek’ fan
Dr. Matthew S. Pugh, an associate professor of philosophy whose interests ranged from St. Thomas Aquinas and Asian philosophy to classical music and the original Star Trek television series, died Friday, Oct. 9, 2015, at Rhode Island Hospital.
Dr. Pugh had been on medical leave. He last taught in the Development of Western Civilization Program and a Medieval Philosophy course during the fall 2014 semester.
Dr. Pugh joined the PC faculty in September 2001 as an assistant professor of philosophy and was promoted to associate professor in 2005. He served on the Faculty Senate, the Asian Studies Committee, and the Tuition Exchange Committee. Dr. Pugh was a co-editor of Analytical Thomism: Traditions in Dialogue (Ashgate Publishing, 2006).
Dr. Pugh received a doctorate in philosophy in 1994 from Fordham University, where he studied Thomistic philosophy. He held a master’s degree in history from The Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Florida State University. Before PC, he taught at Ohio Dominican College and The Ohio State University, both in Columbus, and at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas.
His areas of expertise were medieval metaphysics, Thomas Aquinas, and Asian philosophy. Dr. Ann W. Norton, professor of humanities in art history, said Dr. Pugh especially will be remembered for his contributions to the Asian Studies Program. Students minor in Asian Studies by studying special topics in art history, Asian studies, economics, English, history, political science, philosophy, and sociology.
“Providence College has lost an important part of the Asian Studies Program,” said Norton. “He was a major contributor to the College’s teaching diversity.”
“His heart remained in the East”
Dr. Peter R. Costello, professor of philosophy, said that when he began teaching at PC in 2004, Dr. Pugh was assigned as his mentor. Their friendship developed quickly. Costello said he appreciated Dr. Pugh’s knowledge about the Catholic Church in the years after Vatican II, his desire for interfaith conversation and ecumenical outreach, and his understanding of philosophy and theology as separate academic disciplines.
“Matthew was happiest at PC when he was teaching Asian philosophy — happiest turning his finely-tuned knowledge of Thomas Aquinas toward the problem of ‘being’ as it was developed in Eastern philosophy and Eastern religion,” said Costello. “He was one of the clearest and most interesting scholars of Aquinas I have read. I can think of no better recommendation for anyone wishing to get to know Aquinas than to read Matthew’s work on the subject.”
Dr. Pugh traveled to India several times, and when he returned, “he seemed to come back with even more to infuse his classroom and his scholarship,” said Costello.
“I would say that Matthew’s heart remained in the East, even when his body refused to let him go there anymore,” said Costello. “His head was turned, I noted, to the East as he died, toward the pictures of the Hindu saints that sat on his pillow.”
Able to disagree “without being disagreeable”
For 14 years, Dr. Pugh was a frequent visitor to the Vedanta Society of Providence, a branch of the Ramakrishna Order in India, said its minister, Swami Yogatmananda. Dr. Pugh attended lectures and scripture classes, presented lectures on Eastern philosophy, and meditated in the chapel.
In January 2012, Dr. Pugh was invited to present a paper at the International Seminar on Harmony of World Religions at the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture in Kolkata, India, Swami Yogatmananda said.
“In spite of many health problems, he maintained a serene, happy demeanor,” Swami Yogatmananda said. “A voracious reader of high-quality books on many different topics, his comments and opinions were always sought. He was never afraid of voicing frank disagreements, yet he had a special way of doing it without being disagreeable.”
Dr. Pugh also “had a deep understanding and appreciation of music,” Swami Yogatmananda said. “His interest and insight into Indian classical music was extraordinary for a Westerner. The Vedanta members will miss him for some time to come.”
A love of Star Trek and storytelling
Colleagues may remember Dr. Pugh best for his love of old television shows, including Star Trek and Dark Shadows. Dr. James F. Keating, associate professor of theology, said he would try to stump Dr. Pugh with Star Trek trivia questions.
“He used to wear a Federation watch, and one day I noticed he didn’t have it on,” said Keating. “I challenged him for what to me seemed a sure sign of flagging devotion. Smiling, he simply unbuttoned his flannel shirt to reveal a Federation T-shirt underneath.”
Keating said he would miss seeing Dr. Pugh in his usual chair in the philosophy department, “hearing his gravely baritone, and being on the receiving end of his sardonic quips.”
Patricia A. Connor-Azar ’04G, administrative assistant for the Development of Western Civilization Program, said Dr. Pugh “really was a scholar but also was able to tell a story that would keep you on the edge of your seat wanting to know what happened next.”
“He was also quite humorous,” said Connor-Azar. “His Star Trek enthusiasm was an endearing quality that he proudly spoke about when you asked him about his T-shirt, and then we’d get into a lively discussion about some of the episodes. He’d always relate some psychological and educational spin on the series, too.”
Dr. Vance G. Morgan, professor of philosophy, said Dr. Pugh liked to call himself a “Thomist with a twist.”
“He had a great sense of humor, was interesting, quirky, complicated,” said Morgan. “The most dedicated Trekkie I’ve ever met, obsessed with horror and fantasy films, knew more about classical music than anyone I know, was very widely read, a deep spiritual seeker. He will be greatly missed by his friends and colleagues.”
In his final days, Dr. Pugh was visited simultaneously by Catholic priests and a swami, noted Costello.
“To the end, therefore, I say that Matthew maintained himself as a builder of bridges,” Costello said.
Services for Dr. Pugh were private.
