Robert Craigie Cross

Robert Craigie Cross (1911–2000) was a distinguished British philosopher who held the position of Regius Professor of Logic at Aberdeen University. He also served as the vice principal of the university from 1974 to 1978. Born in Glasgow on 24 April 1911, Cross's academic journey began at Glasgow University, where he graduated in 1932, earning the David Logan Medal for the most distinguished arts graduate. He furthered his studies at Queen's College, Oxford, under Sir Oliver Franks, focusing on philosophy and ancient history. His academic career at Oxford led him to become a fellow and tutor in philosophy. During this period, he co-authored *Plato's Republic: A Philosophical Commentary* with Anthony Douglas Woozley, a work that became a standard text for students due to its accessibility and illumination. Cross's administrative and diplomatic talents were also evident during World War II, where he served as secretary of the Shipbuilding Trades Joint Council and the Admiralty Industrial Council. After the war, he returned to Oxford until 1953, when he accepted the chair as Regius Professor of Logic at Aberdeen University. His tenure at Aberdeen was marked by his efforts to make philosophy classes more popular, contributing significantly to the enrollment in logic and metaphysics. From 1965 to 1975, he served on the University Grants Committee. Cross was recognized for his contributions with a CBE in 1972 and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1977. He retired in 1978 and passed away in Edinburgh on 13 September 2000.