Bas van Fraassen (1941 - Present)

Introduction

1941

Bas van Fraassen is an American Philosopher who has often been referred to as a philosopher’s philosopher. He believes that science should concentrate more on the things that we can directly observe than then things we cannot. Often described as an anti-release, Fraassen describes himself as a “constructive empiricist” with the belief that science is not here to explain spirituality.

Born in Holland

1941

Bas van Fraassen was born in 1941 in the Netherlands.

Degree in Philosophy

1963

In 1963 Fraassen graduated from the University of Alberta with a degree in philosophy with honors.

Advanced Studies

1966

Bas van Fraassen finished his PhD in 1966, earning it from the University of Pittsburgh.

Literary Beginnings

1980

In 1980 his book “The Scientific Image” was released. This was where he formulated his thoughts on “constructive empiricism.”

Teaching Career

1982

Bas van Fraassen has taught at many schools, and he has been a professor of philosopher at the University of Southern California since 1982. Here is a tour of the philosophy program at USC - https://youtu.be/-1bhCkiZ5Hw

Continued Work

1989

In 1989 he released his book “Laws and Symmetry.”

Thoughts on Religion

2016

Bas van Fraassen sat down for an interview with the YouTube channel “Closer to the Truth.” There he talked in more detail about how religion should not be a subject of scientific inquiry. He views religion as perception and interpretation of certain emotions. In the clip below you can see a snippet of this interview.
https://youtu.be/rThBDxMgNRk