Ernest Nagel

Ernest Nagel (November 16, 1901 – September 20, 1985) was an American philosopher of science, recognized as one of the major figures of the logical positivist movement alongside Rudolf Carnap, Hans Reichenbach, and Carl Hempel. His seminal 1961 book, "The Structure of Science," is considered a foundational work in the logic of scientific explanation. Born in Vágújhely, Austria-Hungary (now Slovakia), Nagel emigrated to the United States at age 10 and became a citizen in 1919. He earned a BSc from the City College of New York in 1923 and a PhD from Columbia University in 1931. Nagel spent his academic career primarily at Columbia University, becoming the first John Dewey Professor of Philosophy in 1955 and later a University Professor. He was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1977. His work focused on the philosophy of mathematical fields, quantum mechanics, and theories of science, advocating for reductionism and the adoption of natural science standards in social sciences. Nagel was also a strong supporter of scientific skepticism and an atheist. He died in New York City, leaving behind two sons who also became prominent academics.