The Philosopher

Hilary Putnam

The face

The background

Nationality:
American
Schools:
Analytic philosophy, Neopragmatism, Postanalytic philosophy, Mathematical quasi-empiricism, Metaphysical realism, Internal realism, Direct realism, Transactionalism, Functionalism
Branchs:
Philosophy of mind, Philosophy of language, Philosophy of mathematics, Philosophy of science, metaphilosophy, Epistemology, Jewish philosophy, Ethics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Quantum mechanics
Period:
20th-century philosophy

The synopsis

Hilary Whitehall Putnam (July 31, 1926 – March 13, 2016) was an American philosopher, mathematician, and computer scientist. He was a prominent figure in analytic philosophy in the second half of the 20th century. Putnam contributed significantly to the philosophy of mind, language, mathematics, and science. His work on multiple realizability and functionalism in the philosophy of mind was highly influential. In the philosophy of language, he developed semantic externalism through his "Twin Earth" thought experiment. In mathematics and computer science, he contributed to the Davis–Putnam algorithm and the resolution of Hilbert's tenth problem. Putnam was known for his rigorous analysis of his own philosophical positions, often leading to changes in his views. He also engaged with pragmatism, Jewish philosophy, and ethics later in his career.

The works

The quotes

I think part of the appeal of mathematical logic is that the formulas look mysterious - You write backward Es!
Hilary Putnam
No sane person should believe that something is subjective merely because it cannot be settled beyond controversy.
Hilary Putnam