Public lecture: Jack Smart: Logic and Passion

When: 4:00 - 6:00pm Thursday 18 July
Where: Coombs Lecture Theatre, ANU
Presenter: John Bigelow, Emeritus Professor, Philosophy Department, Monash University

Jack SmartJack Smart defended a number of theories with palpable passion, and yet also with candour and clarity and rational argument. Among the most memorable of the theories he championed were: his materialist theory of the mind, his scientific realism, and his utilitarianism.

Many have stoutly opposed Smart’s materialism, his scientific realism, and his utilitarianism. Yet even more significant than the theories themselves was the way Smart conducted debates about these issues. He was remarkable for his clarity and candour: he always made it abundantly clear where he stood. And even if you did not accept his conclusions, his argumentation was so clear that your understanding was deepeneby identifying where the premises lay, over which you had to agree to differ. And, more than most, he managed to avoid rancour against those who resisted the conclusions he so passionately defended. And even more important than this fostering of clarity of debate was the way he made it apparent to everyone, on both sides of each of the debates into which he entered, why these issues mattered. Philosophy was not just a game for Jack. It really mattered to him. And he helped many of us to see, and to remember, why it really matters to us too.

Registration

Registration required.

E phil.admin.cass@anu.edu.au
T 02 6125 407

This lecture is free and open to the public. ANU Public Lecture Series information:
anu.edu.au/publiclectures

A memorial conference in honour of Jack Smart (1920-2012) will be held before this public lecture.