Philip Kitcher Quotes

Philosopher
1947

Philip Kitcher is an American philosopher and professor known for his contributions to the fields of philosophy of science, ethics, and social and political philosophy. He is currently the John Dewey Professor of Philosophy at Columbia University. Kitcher’s work is characterized by his interdisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from science, history, and literature to address philosophical questions. He is best known for his critiques of creationism and intelligent design, as well as his theories on the nature of scientific knowledge and the role of science in society. Some of his notable works include “Abusing Science: The Case Against Creationism,” “Science, Truth, and Democracy,” and “The Ethical Project.” Kitcher has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the American Philosophical Association’s Prometheus Prize for his contributions to the philosophy of science.Read Less

4 Best Philip Kitcher Quotes

I believe that the arts make indispensable contributions to our understanding. Explain Feraz Zeid, December 23, 2023, Philip Kitcher, Art, Believe, 0

- Philip Kitcher

Philosopher

Art
Believe

The point of philosophy, as I see it, is to change thinking, and thereby to change the conversation. Feraz Zeid, December 23, 2023, Philip Kitcher, Conversation, Philosophy, 0

- Philip Kitcher

Philosopher

In ethics, we don’t make progress by discovering pre-existent truths; we do so by solving problems. Explain Feraz Zeid, December 23, 2023, Philip Kitcher, Ethics, Problem, Progress, 0

- Philip Kitcher

Philosopher

In my view, we ought to replace the notion of analytic philosophy by that of synthetic philosophy. Feraz Zeid, December 23, 2023, Philip Kitcher, Philosophy, 0

- Philip Kitcher

Philosopher

Philosophy

Philip Kitcher Career Highlights

Kitcher began his academic career as an assistant professor at the University of California, San Diego, in 1974. He then moved to the University of Minnesota, where he became a full professor in 1984.
In 1986, Kitcher joined the faculty at the University of California, Berkeley, where he held the position of Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Group in Logic and the Methodology of Science until 2006.
In 2006, Kitcher joined Columbia University as the John Dewey Professor of Philosophy, where he continues to teach and conduct research.
Kitcher has also held visiting positions at various universities, including the University of Oxford, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Cambridge.
He has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Jean Nicod Prize in 1993, the Prometheus Prize in 2001, and the American Philosophical Association’s Philip L. Quinn Prize in 2017.

Key Contributions by Philip Kitcher

Kitcher’s work has focused on the philosophy of science, particularly the nature of scientific explanation and the role of values in science.
He has also made significant contributions to the field of ethics, exploring topics such as the foundations of morality, the relationship between science and ethics, and the ethical implications of evolutionary theory.
Kitcher’s work in social and political philosophy has centered on issues of justice, democracy, and the role of science in shaping public policy.
He has published over 200 articles and 15 books, including “The Advancement of Science” (1993), “Science, Truth, and Democracy” (2001), and “The Ethical Project” (2011).

What Sets Philip Kitcher Apart

Kitcher’s interdisciplinary approach to philosophy, drawing on insights from science, history, and literature, sets him apart from many of his peers.
He is known for his clear and accessible writing style, making complex philosophical ideas understandable to a wider audience.
Kitcher’s work is also characterized by his commitment to addressing real-world problems and engaging with contemporary debates, rather than focusing solely on abstract theoretical issues.

Takeaways

Philip Kitcher’s career highlights and key contributions demonstrate his significant impact on the fields of philosophy, ethics, and social and political philosophy.
His interdisciplinary approach and commitment to addressing real-world issues make his work relevant and influential.
Kitcher’s clear and accessible writing style makes his work accessible to a wider audience, making him a highly influential and respected figure in the world of philosophy.

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