(Witson) (1915-1973) British-born US philosopher. Educated in England, Watts was a longtime student of Eastern religions and published The Spirit of Zen 1936. He emigrated to the US 1939, graduated from the Seabury-Weston Theological Seminary, and was ordained in the Episcopal Church 1944. Briefly serving as chaplain at Northwestern University, he moved to California and taught philosophy at the College of the Pacific 1951–57. As a popular lecturer and author, he became a spiritual leader of the “beat generation” of the 1950s. His books include The Way of Zen 1957.

1. Town in Oklahoma (USA); zip code 74964.
2. Section of Los Angeles, California S of the downtown district.