Joseph Agassi

Joseph Agassi, born Joseph Birnbaum on May 7, 1927, in Jerusalem, was an Israeli academic and philosopher who made significant contributions to the fields of logic, scientific method, and philosophy. He studied under the renowned philosopher Karl Popper at the London School of Economics. Agassi's academic career spanned several institutions; he taught in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Hong Kong from 1960 to 1963, and later held positions at the University of Illinois, Boston University, and York University in Canada, often with dual appointments at Tel Aviv University. His philosophical work centered on rationalism, emphasizing the rationality of science, metaphysics, and democratic politics. He was a proponent of Popper's philosophy, though he introduced his own variations, particularly focusing on the philosophy of technology and the practical selection of scientific theories. Agassi also engaged with Israeli and global politics, expressing views on national identity and the methodology for international cooperation. He was married to Judith Buber Agassi, the granddaughter of Martin Buber, until her death in 2018. Joseph Agassi passed away on January 22, 2023, at the age of 95.