13 Comments

Quite a story, Ted. I trust that you have captured the spirit of your mentor quite well.

Sorry for your loss. Karen

Expand full comment
Jan 7, 2022Liked by Ted Gioia

Thanks for these recollections. I’m just finishing “The Women are Up to Something” about Oxford philosophy in the ‘30’s to ‘60’s.

Expand full comment
Jan 7, 2022Liked by Ted Gioia

To be lucky in your teachers is one of life's great blessings--as is being mindful of the fact and grateful for it. Lovely tribute.

Expand full comment
Jan 8, 2022Liked by Ted Gioia

Now I understand why I enjoy your writing so much.

Expand full comment
Jan 8, 2022Liked by Ted Gioia

Your account of Inwood's office reminded me of the office of my professor Phillip Ennis when I was doing research for his book "The Seventh Stream; the Emergence of Rocknroll in American Popular Music." Of course books were piled everywhere, but what I remember best was the large filing cabinet with a large Post It note attached with read "Durkheim behind cabinet." The volume probably fell there years ago, but instead of retrieving it Phil figured he would just leave a note so he could locate it if he ever need it.

Expand full comment
Jan 8, 2022Liked by Ted Gioia

What a wonderful testament to an amazing man. He was brilliant and kind. Thank you for capturing it in words

Expand full comment
Jan 8, 2022Liked by Ted Gioia

I’m quite impressed that you can remember what he told you about The Natural Fallacy. Had that been me, I would have been so overwhelmed that I would have forgotten what he said as soon as it passed in my left ear and out my right ear. If you’ll forgive me, this was a good column.

Expand full comment

Beautifully well told. Reminds me of my days with British philosophers. That is very much what I experienced when learning that I was supposed to think for myself while relying on what the greats had already done for me. Frankena and Stevenson were my teachers as Michigan. Brings back both very fond and somewhat fearful moments.

Expand full comment
Jan 9, 2022Liked by Ted Gioia

A lots of things to think. Wonderful recollections.

Expand full comment
Jan 9, 2022Liked by Ted Gioia

Reasons I feel like crying rn include: gratitude, inspiration, and sadness about a future where that office scene seems highly unlikely. I pray you have/find a protege.

Expand full comment
Jan 17, 2022Liked by Ted Gioia

Thanks for this. I enjoyed reading it.

Expand full comment

Language, meaning, clarity, word game, what do you mean by? If we use the same word but mean different things we are not communicating… how many disagreements would be forestalled if the ground was cleared first and agreed meaning accepted or at least discussed?

Expand full comment