Joel J. Kupperman

Joel J. Kupperman (born May 18, 1936) is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Connecticut, author of Six Myths about the Good Life, a popular philosophical volume centering on those values most worth engaging in human life. Kupperman is best known to the general public as a young math expert on the radio and television show Quiz Kids. He astounded audiences with his ability to do complex mathematics rapidly and seemingly "in his head." He also had strong general knowledge, and was often the winner of the weekly competitions featured on the show. The 1944 film Chip off the Old Block , starring Donald O'Connor, Peggy Ryan and Ann Blyth, featured Kupperman as the "Quiz Kid," representative of the group.[1]

During his initial Quiz Kids shows, Kupperman, 7, lisped, which emphasized his youth and endeared him to the listening audience.[2] During one particular broadcast of the Quiz Kids, Joel would show his ability to multiply any number times 99 "in his head." When asked how he was able to do this he replied "It's a theequit twick." When asked what the "secret trick" was, he explained that the number he was given he merely multiplied by one hundred then subtracted the same number from the previous total to get the correct answer.

He received his bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of Chicago, and his doctorate at Cambridge.[3] He started teaching at the University of Connecticut in 1960 and was made a full professor in 1972.

He is married to noted historian/author Karen Ordahl Kupperman, who teaches at New York University. The couple have two children: Michael Joel Kupperman, a noted illustrator; and Charlie Anders Kupperman,[4][5] a medical journalist [6] and editor for Eli Healthcare,[7] formerly residing in North Carolina.[8]

In 2018 Simon & Schuster announced that his son Michael Kupperman would be publishing a graphic memoir on his father's rise to fame and his subsequent retreat from public life. The book, All the Answers, is scheduled for publication on May 15, 2018.[9]

References

  1. ↑ Kupperman, Joel J. Six Myths about the Good Life: Thinking about what has Value. Indianapolis: Hackett, 2006
  2. ↑
  3. ↑ "Joel J. Kupperman Curriculum Vitae" (PDF).
  4. ↑ Gilbert, Margaret and Hiskes, Anne, eds. 'Cogitamus' (March 2, 1999).
  5. ↑ Scanlon, Jennifer and Cosner, Shaaron. American women historians, 1700s-1990s: a biographical dictionary, p. 138. Santa Barbara: Greenwood Publishing Group, 1996
  6. ↑ Part B Insider Staff and Bios
  7. ↑ EliHealthcare.com Editorial Staff
  8. ↑ Gilbert, Margaret and Hiskes, Anne, eds. 'Cogitamus' (March 2, 1999).
  9. ↑ All The Answers. 2018-05-15. ISBN 9781501166433.


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