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'''David Kellogg Lewis''' (September 28, 1941 – October 14, 2001) was an American [[philosopher]] renowned for his work in [[metaphysics]], [[philosophy of language]], [[philosophy of mind]], and [[philosophical logic]]. He is best known for his theory of [[modal realism]], which posits that all possible worlds are as real as the actual world. | |||
== Early Life and Education == | == Early Life and Education == | ||
David Lewis was born in [[Oberlin, Ohio]]. He attended [[Swarthmore College]], where he earned his | David Lewis was born in [[Oberlin, Ohio]], and was the son of a professor of government and a medieval historian. He attended [[Swarthmore College]], where he earned his bachelor's degree in philosophy. He then went on to study at [[Harvard University]], where he completed his Ph.D. under the supervision of [[Willard Van Orman Quine]]. | ||
== Academic Career == | == Academic Career == | ||
Lewis began his teaching career at [[UCLA]] before moving to [[Princeton University]] | Lewis began his teaching career at [[UCLA]] before moving to [[Princeton University]], where he spent the majority of his career. His work has had a significant impact on various areas of philosophy, particularly in the development of [[counterfactuals]] and the analysis of [[causation]]. | ||
== Modal Realism == | |||
One of Lewis's most influential contributions to philosophy is his theory of [[modal realism]]. According to this theory, possible worlds are not mere abstractions but are as concrete and real as the actual world we live in. This view has been both highly influential and controversial, sparking extensive debate and discussion in philosophical circles. | |||
Lewis's most | |||
== | == Other Contributions == | ||
In | In addition to modal realism, Lewis made significant contributions to the [[philosophy of language]], particularly in the areas of [[convention (philosophy)|convention]] and [[language games]]. He also worked on the [[philosophy of mind]], exploring topics such as [[mental states]] and [[consciousness]]. | ||
== Personal Life == | == Personal Life == | ||
Lewis was married to [[Stephanie Lewis]], a fellow philosopher. He was known for his modesty | Lewis was married to [[Stephanie Lewis]], a fellow philosopher, and they often collaborated on philosophical projects. He was known for his modesty and generosity in academic circles. | ||
== Legacy == | == Legacy == | ||
David Lewis's work continues to influence contemporary philosophy. His | David Lewis's work continues to influence contemporary philosophy. His writings are widely studied and cited, and his ideas remain central to ongoing debates in metaphysics and other areas of philosophy. | ||
== | == Selected Works == | ||
* | * ''Counterfactuals'' (1973) | ||
* [[ | * ''On the Plurality of Worlds'' (1986) | ||
* [[ | * ''Philosophical Papers'' (Volumes I and II) | ||
== See Also == | |||
* [[Possible world]] | |||
* [[Counterfactual conditional]] | |||
* [[Philosophical logic]] | * [[Philosophical logic]] | ||
== External Links == | == External Links == | ||
* [https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/david-lewis/ Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: David Lewis] | |||
[[Category:1941 births]] | [[Category:1941 births]] | ||
[[Category:2001 deaths]] | [[Category:2001 deaths]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:American philosophers]] | ||
[[Category:Metaphysicians]] | [[Category:Metaphysicians]] | ||
[[Category:Philosophers of language]] | [[Category:Philosophers of language]] | ||
[[Category:Philosophers of mind]] | [[Category:Philosophers of mind]] | ||
[[Category:Princeton University faculty]] | |||
[[Category:Harvard University alumni]] | [[Category:Harvard University alumni]] | ||
[[Category:Swarthmore College alumni]] | [[Category:Swarthmore College alumni]] | ||
Latest revision as of 02:49, 9 March 2025
David Kellogg Lewis (September 28, 1941 – October 14, 2001) was an American philosopher renowned for his work in metaphysics, philosophy of language, philosophy of mind, and philosophical logic. He is best known for his theory of modal realism, which posits that all possible worlds are as real as the actual world.
Early Life and Education[edit]
David Lewis was born in Oberlin, Ohio, and was the son of a professor of government and a medieval historian. He attended Swarthmore College, where he earned his bachelor's degree in philosophy. He then went on to study at Harvard University, where he completed his Ph.D. under the supervision of Willard Van Orman Quine.
Academic Career[edit]
Lewis began his teaching career at UCLA before moving to Princeton University, where he spent the majority of his career. His work has had a significant impact on various areas of philosophy, particularly in the development of counterfactuals and the analysis of causation.
Modal Realism[edit]
One of Lewis's most influential contributions to philosophy is his theory of modal realism. According to this theory, possible worlds are not mere abstractions but are as concrete and real as the actual world we live in. This view has been both highly influential and controversial, sparking extensive debate and discussion in philosophical circles.
Other Contributions[edit]
In addition to modal realism, Lewis made significant contributions to the philosophy of language, particularly in the areas of convention and language games. He also worked on the philosophy of mind, exploring topics such as mental states and consciousness.
Personal Life[edit]
Lewis was married to Stephanie Lewis, a fellow philosopher, and they often collaborated on philosophical projects. He was known for his modesty and generosity in academic circles.
Legacy[edit]
David Lewis's work continues to influence contemporary philosophy. His writings are widely studied and cited, and his ideas remain central to ongoing debates in metaphysics and other areas of philosophy.
Selected Works[edit]
- Counterfactuals (1973)
- On the Plurality of Worlds (1986)
- Philosophical Papers (Volumes I and II)
