David Lewis (philosopher)

David Kellogg Lewis (September 28, 1941 – October 14, 2001) was an American philosopher renowned for his work in metaphysics, philosophy of language, philosophy of mind, and philosophical logic. He is best known for his theory of modal realism, which posits that all possible worlds are as real as the actual world.

Early Life and Education

David Lewis was born in Oberlin, Ohio, and was the son of a professor of government and a medieval historian. He attended Swarthmore College, where he earned his bachelor's degree in philosophy. He then went on to study at Harvard University, where he completed his Ph.D. under the supervision of Willard Van Orman Quine.

Academic Career

Lewis began his teaching career at UCLA before moving to Princeton University, where he spent the majority of his career. His work has had a significant impact on various areas of philosophy, particularly in the development of counterfactuals and the analysis of causation.

Modal Realism

One of Lewis's most influential contributions to philosophy is his theory of modal realism. According to this theory, possible worlds are not mere abstractions but are as concrete and real as the actual world we live in. This view has been both highly influential and controversial, sparking extensive debate and discussion in philosophical circles.

Other Contributions

In addition to modal realism, Lewis made significant contributions to the philosophy of language, particularly in the areas of convention and language games. He also worked on the philosophy of mind, exploring topics such as mental states and consciousness.

Personal Life

Lewis was married to Stephanie Lewis, a fellow philosopher, and they often collaborated on philosophical projects. He was known for his modesty and generosity in academic circles.

Legacy

David Lewis's work continues to influence contemporary philosophy. His writings are widely studied and cited, and his ideas remain central to ongoing debates in metaphysics and other areas of philosophy.

Selected Works

• Counterfactuals (1973)
• On the Plurality of Worlds (1986)
• Philosophical Papers (Volumes I and II)

See Also

• Possible world
• Counterfactual conditional
• Philosophical logic

References

David,

 On the Plurality of Worlds, 
  
 Blackwell, 
 1986,

Lewis, David,

 Counterfactuals, 
 Journal of Philosophy, 
 1973,

External Links

• Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: David Lewis