A prominent philosopher and academic who challenged traditional notions of free will and moral responsibility with his concept of "bullshit" and its implications on modern society.
Frankfurt was born on May 29, 1929, in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, and adopted by a middle-class Jewish family. He pursued his passion for philosophy at Johns Hopkins University, earning his Bachelor's and Doctoral degrees in 1949 and 1954, respectively.
Frankfurt's esteemed academic career spanned over four decades, with professorships at Ohio State University, SUNY Binghamton, Rockefeller University, Yale University, and Princeton University, where he served as professor emeritus of philosophy from 1990 to 2002.
At the heart of Frankfurt's philosophy lies the concept of caring, which he believed plays a central role in shaping our character and moral identity. According to Frankfurt, to care about something means to see it as important, and it reflects our values and desires. This idea has far-reaching implications for ethics, moral responsibility, and personal identity.
Frankfurt's influential work on the principle of moral responsibility led to the development of the "Frankfurt cases," a series of counterexamples that challenge the notion that moral responsibility depends on the ability to do otherwise. These thought-provoking scenarios have sparked intense debates in the field of ethics, cementing Frankfurt's reputation as a leading thinker.
Frankfurt's most popular book, On Bullshit, explores the distinction between bullshitting and lying, arguing that the former is a form of intentional deception, while the latter is a mere false statement. This book has become a cultural phenomenon, resonating with readers from various disciplines and backgrounds.
Frankfurt's philosophical ideas have permeated various aspects of modern society, from politics and media to education and interpersonal relationships. His work has inspired new generations of thinkers, sparking conversations about the importance of authenticity, moral responsibility, and the dangers of bullshit.
Harry Frankfurt's profound impact on philosophy, ethics, and modern society is undeniable. His legacy continues to inspire and challenge us, encouraging us to reexamine our values, our relationships, and our very way of thinking. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, Frankfurt's ideas remain a beacon of insight, guiding us toward a more authentic and responsible world.
These influential works, among others, have cemented Frankfurt's status as a towering figure in contemporary philosophy.
Born in 1921
Developed the concept of "justice as fairness" and argued that a just society should be based on principles that would be agreed upon by rational individuals behind a "veil of ignorance".
86 Years Old
A renowned philosopher who challenged traditional notions of justice, morality, and the role of government, known for his influential book "Anarchy, State, and Utopia".
88 Years Old
A prominent philosopher and academic who challenged traditional views on consciousness, morality, and the nature of reality, known for his provocative and influential writings on the human experience.
95 Years Old
A moral philosopher who challenged traditional ethics and explored the complexities of human identity, known for his critiques of moral theory and advocacy for a more nuanced understanding of human experience.
92 Years Old
Developed influential theories on consciousness, language, and artificial intelligence, challenging traditional views on the mind-body problem. 82
83 Years Old
A philosopher and cognitive scientist who explores the nature of consciousness, free will, and artificial intelligence, and is known for his critiques of religious beliefs and arguments for atheism.
98 Years Old
A pioneer in multiple fields, this mathematician, computer scientist, and philosopher made significant contributions to the development of functional programming, philosophy of mind, and philosophy of language. Their work continues to influence contemporary debates in these areas.
78 Years Old
A renowned philosopher and author, known for her work on ethics, politics, and human emotions, particularly in the areas of feminism, liberalism, and animal rights. Her writings have explored the complexities of human experience and the importance of empathy and compassion.
