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O LORD
my God, I will give you thanks forever. (Ps. 30v12b)
It would be impossible to list all those whose input and assistance have
helped to make this dissertation what it is. But a few names stand out as
deserving of special mention.
Particular thanks must go to my PhD supervisors, Stephen
Makin and Richard Joyce, who gave detailed constructive criticism on
countless draft chapters. Robert Trexler and Bob Merchant (of the New York
C.S. Lewis Society) kindly checked my biography of C.S. Lewis for factual
accuracy, as did Professor David Jesson, whose corrections saved me from
much embarrassment. Chris Friel, who I met at the C.S. Lewis Summer
Institute in Cambridge (2002), made some helpful suggestions for the improvement
of my chapter on the argument from desire. My thanks also go to Lucy
Huskinson and Charmaine Coyle, organisers of the 8th
International Postgraduate Philosophy Conference (Essex, 2002); which
conference provided a forum to explore my ideas on C.S. Lewis’ argument
from desire, the Freudian critique of religious belief, and the
relationship between the two. For providing a pleasant and stimulating work
environment, thanks are due to the postgraduates and staff within the
philosophy department at Sheffield. I am also grateful to the Arts and
Humanities Research Board, who have funded my research.
My good friend Dan Watts not only offered insightful comments
on much of my work; his companionship and conversation (and chess-playing)
have helped to keep me going. I have also received much encouragement from
Michael Ramsden and Amy Orr-Ewing of the Zacharias Trust, and from the
members of our church family – especially the Moffetts, the Hills, the
Harveys and the Hawkins.
Finally, and most importantly, unceasing thanks is due to my
wife, Heather, who – in addition to diligently reading and commenting on
much of my work – has given me constant encouragement and invaluable
support throughout my studies.
Steven Lovell
Sheffield, 2002
Last Updated: 15th
March 2003
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