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Moritz Schlick (1882-1936) The General Theory of Knowledge published in 1918.
First published in 1918, Schlick introduced naturalized epistemology. He was trying to show that when acquiring knowledge, it should come from successful scientific procedures instead of from any type of metaphysical source or sources that are not empirical. Fundamentally Schlick was arguing a priori knowledge and trying to defend science proved through empirical evidence or science that was experienced rather than intuition, beliefs, or metascience. [1] -
Moritz Schlick (1882-1936); Origin of the Vienna Circle
In 1922, at the University of Vienna, Moritz Schlick was asked to be the chair of Philosophy of Inductive Sciences. He had a doctorate in physics, but had a knowledge of philosophy. He found himself surrounded by students and colleagues from a variety of backgrounds. These intellectuals formed a circled that met and had sophisticated discussions. They were known as the Vienna Circle. The meetings ended because of the war, Schlick was assassinated, and the circle never met again. [2] -
Moritz Schlick (1882-1936) Father of Logical Empiricism
Logical Positivism began in the circle. There were always debates on views and ranged from radical to moderate. Schlick sided with the moderates. One idea that was agreed upon was that philosophy should be scientific. They believed it required the same accuracy, discipline, and clear thoughts. Anything that was untestable, or not learned through observation was worthless. Schlick, a leading member, accepted the logical empiricist title. He was known as the father of Logical Empiricism. [3] -
Moritz Schlick (1882-1936) The Murder of Moritz Schlick
At the University of Vienna on 22 June 1936, Moritz Schlick was on his way to present a lecture when he was shot and killed on the steps outside. Johann Nelbock, a former student of his, was the one charged with his murder. Nelbock was known to have mental issues and stated he murdered him for teaching Jewish philosophy in class. After the death of Moritz Schlick, the Vienna Circle never met again. Check out this video for a preview.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-t4N_ew-wDo
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Moritz Schlick (1882-1936) Publishing Problems of Ethics
Published in 1939, The Problems of Ethics focuses on topics such as morals, egoism, human motives, free will and ethical problems. During that time there was a surge of metaphysical and theological thought that was applied to ethics. Schlick, a logical empiricist refused to believe ethics was connected to the metaphysical and wrote this book to give justified and verifiable answers on ethics. [5]