BRAND BLANSHARD

Scott Ryan has a marvellous brief essay on the much overlooked American philosopher Brand Blanshard (1892-1987).

Blanshard was born in Ohio. He studied the British logical tradition under H. W. Joseph. Blanshard's thought offers a strong definition and defence of reason, important thinking about idealism and practical life, devastating criticism of logical positivism and linguistic analysis, and a vital contrast with and corrections to the philosophy of Ayn Rand (1905-1982), the Russian-American novelist-philosopher whose work I've been thinking about for four decades and trying to correct for three.

In 20th century philosophy's fascination with Russell, Wittgenstein, and linguistic analysis, philosophers like Rand and Blanshard have been neglected. One hopes that this will change.

# # # # #

Works by Brand Blanshard

The Nature of Thought. 2 volumes. London: George Allen & Unwin, 1939.

The Nature of Reason.

Reason and Analysis.

[To Be Continued and Revised]

Home | About Grant | What's New | Links | Coming Soon | Send E-Mail

Last modified: 10:33 PM 9/18/2002