C. D. Broad

Author Picture
born: died: occupation: genre: influences:
30-Dec-1887 11-Mar-1971 Philosopher, Epistemologist Philosophy G. E. Moore, Bertrand Russell

Introduction:

C. D. Broad, born Charlie Dunbar Broad on December 30, 1887, was a distinguished British philosopher known for his contributions to metaphysics, epistemology, and the philosophy of mind. Broad played a significant role in the development of philosophy in the early to mid-20th century.

Academic Career:

C. D. Broad was educated at Cambridge University, where he later became a fellow and lecturer in philosophy. He held various academic positions throughout his career, including the Knightbridge Professor of Moral Philosophy at Cambridge.

Philosophical Contributions:

Broad's work spanned a wide range of philosophical topics, making him a versatile and influential figure in the field. He was associated with the Cambridge School of Emergence, which focused on the idea that complex systems exhibit properties that are not reducible to the properties of their individual components.

Metaphysics:

In metaphysics, Broad explored issues related to the nature of time, causation, and the philosophy of space. His views on time, in particular, considered the reality of the past, present, and future as equally real, contributing to the broader discussions on the nature of temporal existence.

Epistemology:

Broad made contributions to epistemology, the branch of philosophy concerned with the nature and scope of knowledge. He engaged in debates about induction and probability, exploring the foundations of scientific reasoning and empirical knowledge.

Philosophy of Mind:

Broad's contributions to the philosophy of mind included discussions on the mind-body problem and the nature of consciousness. He explored the relationship between mental and physical events and offered a nuanced perspective on dualism and materialism.

Ethics:

Broad also made contributions to ethics, where he engaged with questions related to morality and value theory. His ethical views were influenced by utilitarianism and a concern for the well-being of sentient beings.

Later Years and Legacy:

C. D. Broad remained active in philosophy until his retirement. His works, including "Scientific Thought" (1923) and "The Mind and Its Place in Nature" (1925), continue to be studied and discussed in contemporary philosophical discourse.

Quotes.Network's Collection of Broad's Wisdom:

Quotes.Network proudly presents a curated collection of C. D. Broad's insightful quotes, encapsulating his reflections on metaphysics, epistemology, and the philosophy of mind. Delve into the words of a versatile philosopher and join Quotes.Network to explore the enduring wisdom of C. D. Broad, a thinker whose contributions have left a lasting impact on the landscape of philosophy.