The late Willard Van Orman Quine was described as 'the greatest living English-speaking philosopher' and 'the most influential American philosopher of the postwar period'. In this series, Professor Quine takes part in an in-depth personal interview with Rudolf Fara from the London School of Economics, and a penetrating analysis of his life's work in six panel discussions. Quine's most important theses are explored and he defends his views against the major criticisms to bring is position right up-to-date. The resulting comprehensive, archival documentary will provide a wealth of original material for research students and faculty alike, as well as a fundamental resource for courses and seminars.
Participants: W.V. Quine, Rudolf Fara
In this biographical sketch, Quine talks to Rudolf Fara about family influences and his introduction to philosophy; college years at Oberlin; graduate study at Harvard under Whitehead and his meeting with Russell; his exposure to the Vienna Circle and study with Carnap; study of logic in Warsaw. He offers advice to students and articulates his likes, dislikes and the question he would most like answered.