Alice Ambrose, American philosopher and logician (b. 1906)

Alice Ambrose Lazerowitz (November 25, 1906 – January 25, 2001) was a distinguished American philosopher, logician, and author whose intellectual contributions significantly shaped 20th-century analytic philosophy. Her career spanned nearly seven decades, marked by rigorous scholarship, a profound understanding of logic, and a pivotal role in the dissemination of one of the era's most influential philosophical bodies of work.

Born on November 25, 1906, Alice Ambrose embarked on a remarkable academic journey that led her to become a student of the renowned Austrian-British philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein at Cambridge University. Specifically, she studied at Girton College, Cambridge, where she gained unparalleled insights into Wittgenstein's evolving thought, particularly his later philosophy concerning language, logic, and the nature of philosophical problems. This period was foundational, deeply influencing her approach to philosophical inquiry and her subsequent work as a logician.

Following her formative studies, Ambrose Lazerowitz joined the faculty of Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, where she served as a revered professor of philosophy from 1937 until her retirement in 1972. During her extensive tenure at Smith, she became a prominent voice in the field, contributing significantly to discussions in epistemology, the philosophy of logic, and metaphilosophy. Her academic career was also distinguished by a prolific collaborative partnership with her husband, Morris Lazerowitz, who was also a respected philosopher. Together, they co-authored several influential texts, exploring topics such as the linguistic nature of philosophical problems and the application of psychoanalytic concepts within a philosophical framework.

One of Alice Ambrose Lazerowitz's most enduring and widely recognized contributions lies in her meticulous editorial work on Ludwig Wittgenstein's seminal lectures. She played a critical role in compiling and editing his lecture notes, which were subsequently published posthumously as The Blue and Brown Books in 1958. These texts provide invaluable insights into Wittgenstein's transitional thought, bridging his earlier and later philosophies, and exploring concepts like language games, rule-following, and the dissolution of philosophical perplexities through linguistic analysis. Her precise and dedicated editorial efforts made these crucial aspects of Wittgenstein's work accessible to a global philosophical audience, solidifying her legacy as a key figure in Wittgensteinian scholarship.

Ambrose Lazerowitz's own philosophical methodology was deeply rooted in the analytic tradition, focusing on the rigorous examination of language to clarify and, in many cases, resolve traditional philosophical dilemmas. She often explored how conceptual confusions embedded within our linguistic frameworks give rise to philosophical problems, advocating for a therapeutic approach that aimed to dissolve these issues rather than offer conventional solutions. Her work continues to be a vital resource for scholars interested in the intersection of logic, language, and the fundamental questions of philosophy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alice Ambrose Lazerowitz

Who was Alice Ambrose Lazerowitz?
Alice Ambrose Lazerowitz was an eminent American philosopher, logician, and author, primarily known for her contributions to analytic philosophy and her significant role in editing Ludwig Wittgenstein's lecture notes.
What was her most significant contribution to philosophy?
Beyond her own philosophical writings, one of her most impactful contributions was her meticulous editing of Ludwig Wittgenstein's The Blue and Brown Books, which are essential texts for understanding Wittgenstein's later philosophy.
Where did Alice Ambrose Lazerowitz teach?
She served as a distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, from 1937 until her retirement in 1972.
What was her connection to Ludwig Wittgenstein?
Alice Ambrose Lazerowitz was one of Wittgenstein's dedicated students at Cambridge University. Her direct engagement with his lectures and her subsequent editorial work on his notes were crucial for the widespread understanding of his ideas.
What philosophical areas did she specialize in?
She specialized in analytic philosophy, the philosophy of logic, epistemology, and metaphilosophy, often focusing on the linguistic analysis of philosophical problems.