Elizabeth Anscombe (1919-2001) was a British analytic philosopher, celebrated for her contributions to philosophy of action, ethics, and philosophy of mind. Born Gertrude Elizabeth Margaret Anscombe in Limerick, Ireland, she was known for her profound influence on modern philosophy.
Academic Career
- Oxford University: Anscombe studied at St. Hilda's College, Oxford, where she later became a fellow and tutor in philosophy. Her academic career was marked by her rigorous scholarship and her engagement with philosophical giants like Ludwig Wittgenstein, with whom she developed a close intellectual relationship.
- Key Works: Among her notable works are:
- "Intention" (1957), a seminal text in the philosophy of action.
- "Modern Moral Philosophy" (1958), where she critiqued contemporary moral theories and reintroduced the concept of virtue ethics.
- "An Introduction to Wittgenstein's Tractatus" (1959), a detailed analysis of Wittgenstein's early work.
Philosophical Contributions
- Intentionality: Anscombe's work on intentionality revolutionized how philosophers understand human action, emphasizing the connection between intention, knowledge, and action.
- Virtue Ethics: She was instrumental in reviving interest in virtue ethics, arguing for a return to the Aristotelian approach to ethics.
- Philosophy of Mind: Her analysis of mental states, particularly in relation to intention and action, provided insights into the nature of consciousness and the mind-body problem.
Influence and Legacy
Anscombe's influence extends beyond her writings:
- She was a mentor to many philosophers, including Philippa Foot and Alasdair MacIntyre, both of whom further developed her ideas on ethics.
- Her critique of consequentialism and deontology helped reshape ethical discourse.
- Anscombe's translation of Wittgenstein's works into English has been crucial for his reception in the English-speaking world.
Notable Controversies
- Oxford Conferment: In 1956, Anscombe famously protested against the University of Oxford conferring an honorary degree on Harry S. Truman due to his authorization of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
- Contraception and Abortion: Her Catholic faith led her to argue against contraception and abortion, which she saw as violating moral law.
Sources
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