Passing of Professor Randal Marlin
We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of retired Professor Randal Marlin. He was an extraordinary teacher, scholar, mentor, and friend whose impact on generations of students and colleagues will long be remembered.
Professor Marlin joined Carleton University in 1966, at a time when the university itself was still young and rapidly growing. Drawn in part by Carleton’s strong journalism program, he brought together philosophy, ethics, media studies, and public life in ways that were innovative long before such interdisciplinary approaches became common. Early in his career, he developed courses exploring society, values, and technology, encouraging students to think critically about persuasion, power, and the responsibilities of communication.
His academic work was profoundly influenced by French philosopher Jacques Ellul, whose writings on technology and propaganda inspired Professor Marlin to examine the ethical dimensions of communication in modern society. After receiving a Department of National Defence fellowship to study with Ellul in France in 1979–1980, he returned to Carleton and created the now legendary “Truth and Propaganda” course, which became one of the university’s most respected and enduring classes.
Professor Marlin devoted much of his career to the study of propaganda, ethics, communication, and civil liberties. His influential book, Propaganda and the Ethics of Persuasion, remains an important contribution to the field and reflected his lifelong commitment to intellectual honesty and ethical inquiry. He was also widely respected for his advocacy of free expression and civil liberties, serving as past president of the Civil Liberties Association of the National Capital Region.
Colleagues and students admired Professor Marlin for his kindness, curiosity, integrity, and generosity. He challenged people to think more carefully, communicate more honestly, and engage more thoughtfully with the world around them.
Professor Marlin will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him, learn from him, and work alongside him. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, former students, and colleagues.