The Philosophy of P. F. Strawson – Language, Metaphysics, and Descriptive Philosophy | The Library of Living Philosophers | Volume XXVI, 1998 | Review, Analysis & Summary

The Philosophy of P. F. Strawson, edited by Lewis Edwin Hahn, represents Volume XXVI in the renowned Library of Living Philosophers series, released in 1998. This publication centers around Sir Peter Frederick Strawson (1919–2006), a prominent figure within 20th-century analytic philosophy, particularly celebrated for his contributions to the philosophy of language, metaphysics, and epistemology.
Strawson significantly contributed to the transition of the analytic tradition from a rigid adherence to logical atomism toward a more flexible “descriptive metaphysics,” capturing the way we genuinely think and communicate. His pivotal works explored the intersections of language, logic, and ontology, solidifying his status as an essential figure in British philosophy after World War II.
This LLP volume features Strawson’s philosophical autobiography, a selection of his key writings, critical analyses by contemporary philosophers, and detailed responses from Strawson, providing profound insights into the development and significance of his ideas.

Who Was P. F. Strawson?

P. F. Strawson was a British philosopher and faculty member at the University of Oxford. He rose to prominence early in his career with his 1950 essay “On Referring,” which criticized Bertrand Russell’s theory of descriptions. His scholarship significantly influenced the trajectory of analytic philosophy by prioritizing everyday language use and supporting conceptual analysis based on human practices.

Among his notable works are:

• Individuals: An Essay in Descriptive Metaphysics (1959)
• The Bounds of Sense: An Essay on Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason (1966)
• Freedom and Resentment and Other Essays (1974)
• Skepticism and Naturalism: Some Varieties (1985)

Strawson’s philosophical approach is recognized for connecting Kantian metaphysics, Wittgensteinian analysis of language, and commonsense realism.

Contents of the Volume

The organization adheres to the established format of the Library of Living Philosophers:

1. Philosophical Autobiography

Strawson reflects on his intellectual journey, detailing his initial studies in logic and philosophy at Oxford and his exploration of Kantian ideas, linguistic analysis, and metaphysics. He shares insights into how his philosophical methodology evolved and how he engaged with figures like Russell, Quine, and Austin in philosophical debates.

2. Selections from Strawson’s Writings

This section presents several of Strawson’s most influential philosophical contributions, shedding light on:

• Descriptive versus revisionary metaphysics
• The nature of thought and reference
• Responses to skepticism and the significance of common sense
• Interpretations of Kant and the concept of self
• The issues surrounding freedom and responsibility

His writings illustrate how conceptual analysis based on ordinary language can elucidate profound metaphysical and epistemological questions.

3. Critical Essays by Contemporary Philosophers

Renowned scholars critically analyze and discuss Strawson’s contributions. The contributors include:

• Barry Stroud, David Wiggins, Christopher Peacocke, Gareth Evans, Peter Hacker, and Jennifer Hornsby

Topics covered include:

• Strawson’s metaphysical structure and ontological categories
• The essence of reference, identity, and persons
• Critical evaluations of The Bounds of Sense and its interpretation of Kant
• Strawson’s approach to skepticism and his role in reactive attitude theory
• The conflict between naturalism and transcendental arguments

4. Strawson’s Replies to Critics

Strawson addresses each critic with his characteristic clarity and philosophical moderation. He revisits his views on freedom, subjectivity, metaphysics, and language, demonstrating how his positions adapted over time while remaining true to the principles of descriptive philosophy.

Key Themes in Strawson’s Philosophy

1. Descriptive Metaphysics

Strawson differentiates between:

• Descriptive metaphysics – which details the genuine framework of our conceptual system
• Revisionary metaphysics – which seeks to substitute it

He contended that a significant portion of philosophy's duty is to elucidate our conceptual structure rather than supplant it with theoretical models.

2. Ordinary Language and Reference

Strawson notably challenged Russell’s theory of descriptions, asserting that meaning is fundamentally anchored in linguistic context and the intention of the speaker. His focus on the manner in which we actually make references has profoundly influenced the philosophy of language.

3. Freedom and Responsibility

In his essay Freedom and Resentment, Strawson introduced the idea of reactive attitudes (including resentment, gratitude, and forgiveness), establishing a foundation for moral psychology and compatibilism.

4. Kantian Interpretation

In The Bounds of Sense, Strawson presents a reinterpretation of Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason, eliminating transcendental idealism while retaining essential epistemological and metaphysical insights regarding the essence of experience and subjectivity.

5. Skepticism and Naturalism

Strawson crafted naturalistic responses to skepticism, maintaining that various philosophical dilemmas dissipate when we comprehend the natural underpinnings of belief and knowledge.

Why This Volume Matters

The Philosophy of P. F. Strawson is crucial reading for:

• Students of analytic philosophy, metaphysics, and linguistics
• Researchers examining Kant, skepticism, or theories of reference
• Ethicists and philosophers of mind investigating freedom and moral accountability
• Anyone intrigued by British philosophy after World War II and its developments

This volume encapsulates the richness, accuracy, and lasting significance of one of the prominent synthesizers in analytic philosophy.