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The Birth of W. V. Quine
W. V. Quine was born in Akron, Ohio, on June 25, 1908. Quine attended Oberlin College, and his undergraduate studies focused on mathematics and physics. However, while at Oberlin College, Quine discovered a passion for philosophy, and eventually obtained a doctorate in philosophy from Harvard University, at just 24 years of age. Quine continued to work in academia for much of his life, producing many influential works in the philosophy of science, with a large emphasis on logic and empiricism. -
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Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Harvard University
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Lieutenant Junior Grade for the United States Navy Reserve
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Associate Professor of Philosophy at Harvard University
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Two Dogmas of Empiricism
Quine's essay provides a critique of analytic and synthetic distinctions. These two methods of study state that some statements are factual by definition, and others are factual based on evidence. Quine argues all statements cannot be proven, only supported or disputed by evidence. This is because evidence can be compatible with multiple theories, and determining how to apply evidence relies on choices, and not empiricism. This work promoted a more fluid approach to the philosophy of science. -
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Professor of Philosophy at Harvard University
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Word and Object
"Word and Object" was written to challenge the traditional view of meaning, and propose a new theory of knowledge. Quine states that knowledge is a part of our scientific investigations of the world, and not simply a justified belief. Quine's book led to a paradigm shift in the focus of the philosophy of science from questions of justification, to questions of explanation and understanding. This work was one of the stepping stones that led the concept of "naturalized epistemology" to prominence. -
Ontological Relativity and Other Essays
This series of essays continued Quine's efforts to reject the traditional concepts of truth. Quine stated that all truths depend on the theory they are applied to, and determining which properties belong to particular objects is largely determined by the ever-evolving interest of the scientific inquiry's community, and not empirically. This work did not advocate for a position, but still influenced how scientists viewed the relationship between scientific theory and the natural world. -
The Web of Belief
Quine and Ullian stated that society's beliefs are all connected through a network of empirical, and practical conclusions about our world known as the Web of Belief. The implications of this network mean that the support of a scientific theory has to be based on both evidence, and a coherence to the Web of Belief. However, the Web of Belief is subject to revision, meaning that knowledge is always open to refinement. This book promotes a more fluid and holistic view of the philosophy of science. -
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Edgar Pierce Professor of Philosophy at Harvard University
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Theories and Things
While this series of essays reexplored many topics Quine proposed throughout his career, Quine still expanded his views, and influence, on the philosophy of science, primarily pertaining to induction reasoning, and metaphysics. Quine argued that science does not rely on induction, but rather on a process of revising theories based on new evidence. Furthermore, Quine stated that metaphysics should be a form of conceptual analysis, using scientific concepts to explore questions about our world. -
The Death of W. V. Quine
W. V. Quine was a remarkable philosopher whose contributions continue to influence today's philosophical discussions. His views on empiricism challenged the traditional views of knowledge, and helped lead to substantial paradigm shifts in scientific inquiry. Quine's work on language and naturalized epistemology were groundbreaking. Unfortunately, Quine passed away on December 25, 2000, at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to shape philosophical inquiry for years to come.