Peter Strawson
contemporaryAnalytic Philosophy, Ordinary Language Philosophy1919 – 2006
Sir Peter Frederick Strawson (1919–2006) was a British analytic philosopher and Waynflete Professor of Metaphysical Philosophy at Oxford. He is best known for his contributions to the philosophy of language, metaphysics, and epistemology, particularly his revival of descriptive metaphysics and his influential critique of Russell's theory of definite descriptions.
Notable Achievements
1
Developed descriptive metaphysics in 'Individuals' (1959), arguing for the primacy of material bodies and persons as basic particulars
2
Authored 'On Referring' (1950), a landmark critique of Russell's theory of descriptions distinguishing reference from predication
3
Wrote 'The Bounds of Sense' (1966), a highly influential interpretation of Kant's Critique of Pure Reason
4
Introduced the 'reactive attitudes' framework in 'Freedom and Resentment' (1962), reshaping compatibilist debates about moral responsibility
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