Willard Van Orman Quine: American Philosopher, 1908-2000

By Shadowrel

  • Birth

    Akron, Ohio
  • Began attending Oberlin College, Ohio

    Began attending Oberlin College, Ohio

    He began studying for his undergraduate at Oberlin College, choosing to study Mathematics (Hylton, Peter and Gary Kemp, 2022)

  • Awarded Bachelors Degree

    He graduated Undergraduate with a major in Mathematics with honors reading in mathematical philosophy and he won a scholarship to Harvard University. (Hylton, Peter and Gary Kemp, 2022)
  • Began attending Harvard University

    Began attending Harvard University

    Began this study for his Ph.D. at Harvard University. (Hylton, Peter and Gary Kemp, 2022)
  • Awarded PH.D. in Philosophy

    Awarded PH.D. in Philosophy

    His dissertation was on Whitehead and Russell’s Principia Mathematica. (Hylton, Peter and Gary Kemp, 2022)
  • Sheldon Traveling Fellowship

    Sheldon Traveling Fellowship

    During this fellowship, he was financed to visit Europe visiting places like Viena, Warsaw, and Prague. And, during his time in Vienna, he met with Moritz Schlick, Chairman of the Circle, Philip Frank, and other members of the Circulo de Viena.

  • Completed Sheldon Traveling Fellowship

    (Hylton & Kemp, 2019)
  • Published A System of Logistic

    Published A System of Logistic

    This was a revised form of his dissertation. which presented "a system of symbolic logic bt of Whitehead and Russell's Principia Mathematic" (W.V. Quine, 1934).
  • Harvard Facility Instructor

    Harvard Facility Instructor

    He was appointed as part of the staff at Harvard in 1936, as an Instructor in Philosophy. (Hylton & Kemp, 2019)
  • Published Mathematical Logic

    Published Mathematical Logic

    It is said that "systematic development of mathematical logic has been widely praised for the new material presented and for the clarity of its exposition." (The Harvard Press)
  • Harvard Associate Professor

    Harvard Associate Professor

    Promoted to Associate Professor in 1941 (Hylton & Kemp, 2019)
  • Navy Service

    Navy Service

    During WWII, he spent four years as a Naval Intelligence officer. (Orenstein, 2001)
  • Period: to

    Navy Service

    During WWII, he spent four years as a Naval Intelligence officer. (Orenstein, 2001)
  • Harvard Professor

    Harvard Professor

    After completing his service he returned to Havard to teach as a Professor (Hylton & Kemp, 2019)
  • Published From a Logical Point of View

    Published From a Logical Point of View

    This is a collection of nine essays focused on the theory of meaning and reference.
  • Published Word and Object

    Published Word and Object

    In this writing, he expands on earlier a writing in From a Logical Point of View
  • Published Set Theory and its Logic

    Published Set Theory and its Logic

    “it is a smooth and exciting journey to a vivid and comprehensive view of the alternative foundations of classical mathematics.” (Joseph S. Ullian, Philosophical Review)
  • Published Ways of Paradox.

    Published Ways of Paradox.

  • Published Ontological Relativity and Other Essays

    Published Ontological Relativity and Other Essays

    This book contains essays regarding: the nature of meaning, the meaning of existence and the nature of natural knowledge.
  • Epistemology Naturalized.

    Epistemology Naturalized.

    He usually is credited for initiating a wave of naturalistic epistemology with this essay. He also questions the state of the current methods of scientific thought. (Wrenn)
  • Published The Roots of Reference

    Published The Roots of Reference

    In this writing, he is arguing for a naturalized epistemology based on holism and expanding on earlier works. (Hylton & Kemp, 2019)
  • Retired as Harvard Professor

    Retired as Harvard Professor

    (Hylton & Kemp, 2019)
  • Published Theories and Things

    Published Theories and Things

    This book is about the questions brought about by metaphysical and epistemological.
  • Published Pursuit of Truth

    Published Pursuit of Truth

    This book is described by many as a quest that links observation, theory, and the world.
  • Awarded Rolf Schock Prizes

    Awarded Rolf Schock Prizes

    He received this award "from the hands of the King of Sweden together with a laurel wreath and a cannon salute, first award in 'Logic and Philosophy' to: 'Professor W. V. Quine, USA" (Quine, 1996)
  • Kyoto prize

    Kyoto prize

    Awarded a Kyoto Prize due to his significant contributions to the development of Contemporary Philosophy. (Kyoto Prize Laureates, 1996)

  • Death

    Boston, Massachusetts