Philosophy Bites Cheryl Misak on Frank Ramsey's Life and Thought
Sep 24, 2024
Cheryl Misak, author of a compelling biography on Frank Ramsey, shares insights into the life of this brilliant Cambridge philosopher who died young at 26. They discuss how Ramsey's thoughts on pragmatism were shaped by mentor Charles K. Ogden and his formative education. Misak highlights Ramsey's struggle between mathematical brilliance and varying economic philosophies, particularly socialism. The conversation also touches on his human-centered perspective, emphasizing how his warmth and sociability influenced his views on probability and economics.
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Ramsey's Translation
- As an undergraduate, Frank Ramsey translated Wittgenstein's Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus.
- Wittgenstein considered Ramsey's translation to have more authority than his original.
Human-Centric Perspective
- Unlike Wittgenstein and Russell, Ramsey found life enjoyable by focusing on a human perspective.
- He valued human concerns over vastness of the universe or strict logical language.
Ramsey's Character
- Ramsey possessed a warm and gregarious personality, deeply concerned about others' feelings.
- This influenced his practical, human-centered approach to both philosophy and economics.