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Born and Early Life
Nagel was born on November 16, 1901, in Nové Město nad Metují, Austria-Hungary (now the Czech Republic) and later emigrated to the United States. He received his education at the City College of New York and Columbia University, where he earned his Ph.D. in philosophy in 1931. -
Principles of the Theory of Probability is Published
In this book, Nagel provided a thorough examination of the mathematical foundations of probability theory. He explored topics such as the axiomatic basis of probability, statistical inference, and the logical structure of probabilistic reasoning. Nagel's work helped to clarify the role of probability in scientific inquiry and its implications for reasoning under uncertainty. Nagel, Ernest. Principles of the Theory of Probability. Univ. of Chicago Press, 1953. -
Logic Without Metaphysics: and Other Essays in the Philosophy of Science is Published
Nagel examined the nature of explanation, discussing the distinction between deductive-nomological explanations (explanations that derive from general laws) and statistical explanations. Nagel also delved into confirmation theory, exploring how evidence supports or undermines scientific theories, and addressed the problem of induction. Nagel, Ernest. Logic without Metaphysics and Other Essays in the Philosophy of Science. Free Press, 1956. -
The Structure of Science: Problems in the Logic of Scientific Explanation is Published
Nagel questions such as what constitutes a scientific explanation, the role of laws and theories in explanation, and the nature of causation in scientific understanding. He explored the concepts of reductionism, the unity of science, and the relationship between the sciences. He emphasized the importance of logical and conceptual analysis in understanding scientific explanation. Nagel, Ernst. The Structure of Science: Problems in the Logic of Scientific Explanation. Hackett Publishing, 1961. -
Teleology Revisited and Other Essays in the Philosophy and History of Science is Published
Nagel's collection of essays in this book explores the concept of teleology in science and its historical development. He examined how teleological explanations were employed in the sciences and how they evolved over time, also discussing the role of teleology in biology and how it relates to the notion of adaptation in evolutionary theory. Nagel, Ernest. Teleology Revisited and Other Essays in the Philosophy and History of Science. Columbia Univ Press, 1963. -
Death
Ernest Nagel passed away in New York City on September 20, 1985, leaving behind a legacy of great philosophical works that are still studied and debated today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utKvDXhS62Y