Thomas Nagel

Thomas Nagel teaching Ethics

Thomas Nagel (born July 4, 1937) is an American philosopher renowned for his work in philosophy of mind, political philosophy, and ethics. Nagel is best known for his critique of materialism and reductionism, particularly through his famous essay "What Is it Like to Be a Bat?" (1974), which challenges the subjective aspects of the mind that he argues cannot be fully understood by a purely physical explanation.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Nagel was born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia (now Serbia), and moved to the United States at a young age. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Cornell University in 1958, where he was introduced to the works of John Rawls, a significant influence on his later work. Nagel continued his studies at the University of Oxford as a Fulbright Scholar, where he was influenced by H.L.A. Hart and Isaiah Berlin, prominent figures in legal and political philosophy. He completed his Ph.D. at Harvard University in 1963, with a dissertation on the philosophy of Bertrand Russell.

Career

Nagel has held teaching positions at several prestigious universities, including the University of California, Berkeley, Princeton University, and New York University (NYU), where he is currently University Professor of Philosophy and Law, Emeritus. His academic work has made significant contributions to various areas of philosophy, earning him a place among the most influential philosophers of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Philosophical Work

What Is it Like to Be a Bat?

In "What Is it Like to Be a Bat?", Nagel argues that the subjective experience of a bat, or its phenomenal consciousness, is inherently inaccessible to humans. This essay is a cornerstone in the philosophy of mind, highlighting the limitations of a purely physicalist explanation of consciousness. Nagel suggests that any theory of mind must account for the subjective character of experience, which he terms "the qualia problem."

The View From Nowhere

Another significant work by Nagel is "The View From Nowhere" (1986), where he explores the tension between the subjective and objective points of view. He examines how our understanding of the world and ourselves is shaped by both our personal, subjective experiences and our ability to adopt an objective, impersonal perspective. This work contributes to ongoing debates in epistemology, ethics, and the philosophy of mind.

Political Philosophy

Nagel has also made notable contributions to political philosophy, particularly through his critique of libertarianism and his defense of a form of liberal egalitarianism. He argues for the importance of equality in society, not just as a matter of fairness but as a fundamental aspect of human dignity. His work in this area engages with and expands upon the ideas of John Rawls, particularly in relation to the concept of justice and the role of the state in ensuring the welfare of its citizens.

Legacy

Thomas Nagel's work continues to influence a wide range of philosophical debates, from the nature of consciousness and the mind-body problem to questions of morality, justice, and the meaning of life. His ability to address complex issues with clarity and rigor has made his writings accessible to both academic and general audiences, contributing to his status as one of the leading philosophers of his generation.