Richard Sugarman facts for kids

Richard Sugarman, born on July 12, 1944, is an American professor and political advisor. He teaches religion at the University of Vermont. He is also known as an expert on the French philosopher Emmanuel Levinas. Richard Sugarman advised Bernie Sanders during his 2016 presidential campaign.

Early Life and Education

Richard Sugarman was born in Buffalo, New York. His family background includes both Ukrainian Jewish and English Jewish heritage. His father's family followed Hasidic Judaism, a very traditional form of Judaism. His mother was a Reform Jew, which is a more modern form. His father was an entrepreneur, meaning he started many businesses.

College Years

Sugarman went to Yale University. He earned his first degree in philosophy in 1966. His college roommate was Joe Lieberman, who later became a United States Senator. After Yale, he continued his studies. He received a master's degree from Yale in 1969. He then earned his Ph.D. from Boston University in 1976. Both of these advanced degrees were also in philosophy.

Teaching Career

Richard Sugarman began teaching at the University of Vermont in 1970. He taught both philosophy and religion. In 1974, he joined the university's new religion department. He became a full professor of religion in 2002.

Areas of Expertise

Professor Sugarman has written several books. He specializes in how different ideas connect. These include phenomenology, which studies how we experience things. He also studies Jewish philosophy and existentialism, which explores human existence. He is especially known as an expert on the philosopher Emmanuel Levinas.

Political Advice

Richard Sugarman has also worked as a political advisor. He encouraged Bernie Sanders to run for mayor of Burlington in 1981. They had lived together before that time. Sugarman later advised Bernie Sanders during his 2016 campaign for president.

Personal Life

Richard Sugarman lives in Burlington, Vermont. He is married to Linda Sugarman, and they have three children. He is an Orthodox Jew. This means he follows traditional Jewish laws and customs. He is also a strong supporter of Zionism.