Hermitix A Social History of Analytic Philosophy with Christoph Schuringa
Aug 13, 2025
Christoph Schuringa, a philosopher and associate professor at Northeastern University London, delves into the rich history of analytic philosophy. He critiques traditional views, exploring connections among key figures like Russell and Wittgenstein. The conversation navigates the divide between analytic and continental philosophy, and how politics shaped the discipline during the Cold War. Schuringa also examines the influence of game theory and personal identity on philosophical discourse, revealing the nuances and challenges present within the field.
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Analytic Philosophy Claims To Be Ahistorical
- Analytic philosophy often treats itself as ahistorical, claiming arguments alone matter.
- Schuringa shows that placing this tradition in historical context yields surprising results.
The 'Work Speaks For Itself' Mentality
- Analytic styles prize self-sufficient arguments and often dismiss historical or biographical context.
- Schuringa argues this can be liberating but also dangerously narrows philosophy's view of culture and subjectivity.
Russell And Moore's Early Break
- Russell and Moore jointly rebelled against idealism in 1898 and then diverged sharply.
- Russell became committed to making philosophy scientific via symbolic logic and mathematical methods.
