Born in Chipping Sodbury in 1944, Simon Walter Blackburn has established a career centered on meta-ethics and the philosophy of language. Throughout his tenure at institutions including Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he has maintained a focus on analytic philosophy, specifically through his development of the quasi-realist position.
Academic Trajectory
Blackburn completed his undergraduate studies at Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1965, later earning his doctorate from Churchill College, Cambridge, in 1969. His professional career included roles as a Fellow of Pembroke College, Oxford, and serving as the professor of philosophy at the University of Cambridge until his retirement in 2011. He maintains a connection to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a distinguished research professor.
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His primary contributions to philosophy involve the defense of quasi-realism and the promotion of neo-Humean perspectives. His work aims to justify the use of moral discourse within an anti-realist metaphysical framework, allowing ethical language to retain realist-like functions. He has also served as editor for the academic journal Mind and published influential texts such as Ruling Passions and Spreading the Word.
Public Engagement and Secularism
Beyond specialized academic writing, Blackburn engages with broader audiences regarding secularism and public policy. As a patron of Humanists UK, he advocates for an infidel stance, suggesting that the lack of religious faith requires no burden of proof. His public activities have included opposing the state visit of Pope Benedict XVI and participating in media discussions on BBC Radio 4.
Fast facts
- Born: 1944, Chipping Sodbury
- Citizenship: United Kingdom
- Education: Clifton College, Trinity College, Churchill College
- Key Field: Quasi-realism
- Notable Role: Former president of the Aristotelian Society
- Professional Affiliation: Fellow of the British Academy
- Teaching focus: Ethics and analytic philosophy
Questions readers ask
What is Blackburn's stance on moral realism?
He promotes quasi-realism, which seeks to explain how moral language functions effectively without committing to an anti-realist metaphysical stance.
Does he consider himself an atheist?
Yes, he is a patron of Humanists UK and has stated he prefers the label infidel to describe his lack of religious faith.
Achievements
- Fellow of the British Academy
- Held posts at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Fields: philosophy, ethics and analytic philosophy
