P. F. Strawson
contemporaryAnalytic Philosophy1919 – 2006
Sir Peter Frederick Strawson was a British analytic philosopher best known for his work on metaphysics, philosophy of language, and the philosophy of mind. His influential book 'Individuals' (1959) revived descriptive metaphysics, and his essay 'Freedom and Resentment' (1962) reshaped debates on moral responsibility through the concept of reactive attitudes.
Notable Achievements
1
Authored 'Individuals' (1959), reviving descriptive metaphysics
2
Wrote 'Freedom and Resentment' (1962), introducing reactive attitudes to free will debates
3
Critiqued Russell's theory of descriptions in 'On Referring' (1950)
4
Developed a Kantian-influenced account of persons and particulars
5
Held the Waynflete Chair of Metaphysical Philosophy at Oxford