William Joseph Rapaport[2] is an American philosopher who is an associate professor emeritus of the University at Buffalo.
[4][5] Rapaport has written on the field of intentionality, influencing scientists and writers[citation needed] including Daniel Dennett, Héctor-Neri Castañeda (who was his doctoral advisor[2]) and John Searle (with whom he disagrees).
Rapaport is interested in science educational theory, and received the New York Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Rapaport and his wife Mary, with whom he has a son Michael, are the principal donors to the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center[7] in Jamestown, NY.
The Desilu Playhouse, located in the Rapaport Center, contains memorabilia and other vintage I Love Lucy items.