Simon Blackburn

English academic philosopher · United Kingdom · On the map · Academics · Born 1944 · age 82

Simon Walter Blackburn is an English philosopher known for his work in metaethics, where he defends quasi-realism, and in the philosophy of language. More recently, he has gained a large general audience from his efforts to popularise philosophy.

Simon Blackburn is read about 83 times a day, in 21 languages.

A typical day, 30 days to 21 September 2026

The middle day of the days counted, so one week of news cannot move it. The line under it is the last 60 days, one point a day.

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A life in dates

2001“An ethic gone wrong is an essential preliminary to the sweat shop or the concentration camp and the death march.”In their wordsSimon Blackburn, Being Good (2001)Read the whole statement

1999“The word "philosophy" carries unfortunate connotations: impractical, unworldly, weird.”In their wordsIntroduction, p. 1Read the whole statement

“Since there is no telling in advance where it may lead, reflection can be seen as dangerous.”In their wordsIntroduction, p. 11Read the whole statement

“Thoughts are strange things. they have 'representational' powers: a thought typically represents the world as being one way or another.”In their wordsChapter Two, Mind, p. 78Read the whole statement

“A signpost doesn't in and of itself represent the way to the village. We have to learn how to take it.”In their wordsChapter Two, Mind, p. 78Read the whole statement

“Chance is as relentless as necessity.”In their wordsChapter Three, Free Will, p. 85Read the whole statement

1944Born12 July 1944

Media & music

Photos 1

In their own words 4

Simon Blackburn

4 statements, newest first

We hope for lives whose story leaves us looking admirable; we like our weaknesses to be hidden and deniable...
2001 · Simon Blackburn, Being Good (2001), Own words
In the end, it is ideas for which people kill each other.
1999 · Introduction, p. 11, Own words
The scientific world is to be less threatening than was feared. It is to be made safe for human beings. And the way to make it safe is to reflect on the foundation of knowledge.
1999 · Chapter One, Knowledge, p. 17, Own words

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Awards

Fellow of the British Academy

Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences

About this person

He has appeared in multiple episodes of the documentary series Closer to Truth. During his long career, he has taught at Oxford University, Cambridge University, and University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Country

United Kingdom