Deaths on February 13

P. F. Strawson, English philosopher and author (b. 1919)

Sir Peter Frederick Strawson: A Leading Figure in 20th-Century English Philosophy

Sir Peter Frederick Strawson (23 November 1919 – 13 February 2006) stands as a towering figure in 20th-century English philosophy, renowned for his profound contributions to metaphysics, the philosophy of language, and the analytic tradition. His intellectual journey was deeply intertwined with the University of Oxford, where he held prestigious positions and shaped generations of philosophical thought, leaving an indelible mark on the discipline.

An Illustrious Academic Career at Oxford

Strawson's distinguished academic career was primarily centered at the University of Oxford, an institution celebrated globally for its rich philosophical heritage. He first joined University College, Oxford, in 1947, taking on the role of a college lecturer. The very next year, in 1948, his exceptional capabilities and burgeoning philosophical talent were recognized with his appointment as a tutorial fellow. This pivotal position, central to Oxford's distinctive pedagogical system, involved close, individualized teaching and supervision of students, allowing him to directly influence budding philosophers through rigorous intellectual engagement. He served diligently in this capacity at University College until 1968, building a strong foundation for his later, even more prominent, roles within the university.

His ascendancy culminated in 1968 when he was appointed the Waynflete Professor of Metaphysical Philosophy at Magdalen College, Oxford. This highly esteemed professorship, a named chair, is one of the most significant philosophical positions in the United Kingdom, marking him as a leading authority in the fundamental and abstract field of metaphysics. He held this prestigious title for nearly two decades, until his formal retirement in 1987, during which time he guided research, scholarship, and intellectual discourse in a core area of philosophy. The Waynflete Chair itself has a long history, typically held by philosophers of great distinction.

Philosophical Contributions and Enduring Legacy

Sir P.F. Strawson is widely celebrated for his groundbreaking work, particularly his development of "descriptive metaphysics." In contrast to "revisionary metaphysics," which seeks to alter or replace our existing conceptual scheme (as some philosophers might propose), Strawson aimed to meticulously describe the fundamental, deeply embedded structure of our everyday conceptual framework. His work explored how we, as human beings, inherently think about the world, identifying fundamental categories such as persons, material objects, and events, and how we individuate and refer to them. His seminal 1959 book, Individuals: An Essay in Descriptive Metaphysics, is considered a landmark text, investigating the most basic categories through which we individuate and re-identify particulars.

Another cornerstone of his work is his critique of Bertrand Russell's highly influential theory of definite descriptions, articulated in his own highly influential 1950 paper On Referring. Strawson famously argued that sentences containing definite descriptions, such as "The present King of France is bald," do not assert the existence of the described entity but rather *presuppose* it. If the presupposition fails (e.g., there is no present King of France), the statement is not false, but rather lacks truth-value or fails to make a statement at all, thereby challenging fundamental tenets of analytic philosophy concerning meaning and truth conditions. He also made significant contributions to the philosophy of mind and the study of human agency, notably in his 1962 British Academy lecture Freedom and Resentment, which remains a crucial text in contemporary debates on moral responsibility, exploring the human reactive attitudes that underpin our moral practices.

A Life Dedicated to Scholarship

Even after his formal retirement from the Waynflete Professorship in 1987, Sir Peter's commitment to philosophical inquiry and the academic community remained unwavering. He returned to Magdalen College, where he continued to engage in philosophical work, writing, and mentorship, demonstrating a lifelong dedication to the pursuit of knowledge that extended well beyond the conventional boundaries of an academic career. His active involvement in the intellectual life of the college persisted until shortly before his passing on 13 February 2006, at the age of 86, leaving behind a profound and lasting impact on philosophy.

Artistic Recognition: Portraits

Sir P.F. Strawson's significant contributions and stature were also commemorated through art. His portrait was painted by two notable artists: Muli Tang and Daphne Todd. Muli Tang, a respected Chinese artist known for his portraiture, and Daphne Todd, a distinguished British portrait painter who notably won the prestigious BP Portrait Award in 2010, each captured a unique facet of this eminent philosopher, ensuring his visual legacy alongside his monumental intellectual one.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sir P.F. Strawson

Who was Sir Peter Frederick Strawson?

Sir Peter Frederick Strawson (1919–2006) was a highly influential English philosopher. He was a central figure in 20th-century analytic philosophy, particularly renowned for his groundbreaking work in metaphysics and the philosophy of language, shaping how we understand conceptual frameworks and reference.

What were his main academic positions at Oxford University?

He served as a college lecturer and tutorial fellow at University College, Oxford, from 1947 to 1968. Subsequently, he held the prestigious Waynflete Professorship of Metaphysical Philosophy at Magdalen College, Oxford, from 1968 until his retirement in 1987.

What are his most famous philosophical contributions?

Strawson is celebrated for developing "descriptive metaphysics," meticulously outlining our fundamental conceptual scheme. Key works include his influential 1950 paper On Referring, which challenged Russell's theory of descriptions, and his seminal 1959 book Individuals: An Essay in Descriptive Metaphysics. His 1962 lecture Freedom and Resentment is also a cornerstone of contemporary discussions on moral responsibility.

Did Sir P.F. Strawson continue working after his formal retirement?

Yes, after retiring from his professorship in 1987, Sir Peter returned to Magdalen College and remained actively engaged in philosophical work, writing, and contributing to the academic community until shortly before his death in 2006, demonstrating a lifelong dedication to philosophy.