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Birth and Immigration
Ernest Nagel was born in 1901 in Nove Mesto, Bohemia, which is now Czechoslovakia. His mother was Frida Weiss and his father was Walter Nagel. At the age of 10, Ernest and his family moved to the United States. He gained citizenship in 1919. -
Education and Teaching Career
Nagel completed his bachelor of science degree at City College of New York in 1923. He then went to Columbia University where he completed his doctorate in 1930. With the exception of one year, 1966-1967, Nagel stayed at Columbia as a professor of philosophy until 1970. He then was honored to remain a special lecturer as a University Professor Emeritus until 1973. -
Publications
Ernest Nagel had numerous publications in various scientific journals throughout this career. He also published a couple textbooks and other works. Structure of Science (1961) was Nagel’s most respected and most famous published book. This book broke down the logic surrounding scientific reasoning and explanations. Nagel also focused on the connection of all scientific theories to physical science. -
Honors and Awards
Ernest Nagel received numerous honors and awards during his life-long career. These include but are not limited to: election into the National Academy of Sciences, an honorary doctor of science degree from Brandeis University, Nicholas Murray Butler Medal in Gold from Columbia University, and doctor of letters from three different universities. From 1961 to 1963, Nagel was president of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Throughout his career, he was editor of several academic journals. -
Death and Legacy
Ernest Nagel passed away on September 20, 1985 in New York City. Nagel was clearly an inspiration to the scientific community and continues to inspire new scientists through his works.
