Each year, one or two Nelson Philosophers-in-Residence visit Ann Arbor for a week, presenting a public lecture and two seminars, and engaging in informal discussion with students and faculty.

Nelson Philosophers-in-Residence are funded from the James B. and Grace J. Nelson Endowment for the Teaching of Philosophy, established in 1940 by gift from James B. Nelson (LL.B., 1893). The Department has hosted more than thirty Philosophers-in-Residence since the series began in 1984-85.