-
Period: to
Educational Video
-
Birth of a Philosopher
Hilary Putnam was born in Chicago, Illinois. He was the only child of Samuel and Riva Putnam. -
Period: to
Philosophy of Mind
Putnam made significant contributions to the philosophy of mind, particularly with his development of functionalism. He argued against the idea that mental states could be reduced to brain states, proposing instead that mental states are best understood in terms of their functional role within a system. -
Philosophy of Science
Putnam made significant contributions to the philosophy of science, especially in the interpretation of quantum mechanics. He explored issues related to realism, indeterminacy, and the nature of scientific theories. "He argued that quantum mechanics does, in fact, represent real physical states, but the logical rules used for quantum calculations diverge from those used in classical physics." -
Mathematics and Philosophy of Logic
Putnam made contributions to the philosophy of mathematics, including his work on the philosophy of logic and the nature of mathematical truth. In Putnam's book that was published in 1971, Philosophy of Logic, he expressed his thoughts on “mathematics as modal logic”. -
Philosophy of Language:
Putnam is known for his concept of semantic externalism, particularly in the philosophy of language. He argued that the meanings of words are not solely determined by internal mental states but are also influenced by external factors, such as the individual's environment. -
Death of a Philosopher
Hilary Putnam died at the age of 89 due to metastasized mesothelioma. Putnam had a profound impact on various branches of philosophy, and his contributions continue to influence debates and discussions in these areas. His approach and willingness to engage with a wide range of philosophical problems made him a prominent and respected figure in 20th-century philosophy.