Susan Haack
Early Life and Education
Susan Haack was born on November 15, 1945, in England. She pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of Oxford, where she obtained a B.A. in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) from St. Hilda's College. Haack then continued her education at the University of Cambridge, earning a B.Phil. and a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Newnham College. Her doctoral dissertation focused on the philosophy of language, specifically on the works of Wittgenstein and Austin.
Academic Career
Haack began her academic career as a lecturer at the University of Warwick before moving to the University of Cambridge, where she served as a Fellow of New Hall (now Murray Edwards College). In 1990, she joined the University of Miami, where she is currently a Distinguished Professor in the Humanities, Cooper Senior Scholar in Arts and Sciences, Professor of Philosophy, and Professor of Law.
Contributions to Philosophy
Foundherentism
One of Haack's most significant contributions to philosophy is her development of foundherentism, a theory of epistemic justification that combines elements of foundationalism and coherentism. Foundherentism posits that beliefs are justified through a combination of foundational beliefs (which are self-justified) and coherent relationships among beliefs. This approach aims to address the shortcomings of both foundationalism and coherentism by integrating their strengths.
Philosophy of Logic
Haack has also made substantial contributions to the philosophy of logic. Her work in this area includes a critical examination of deviant logics, which are non-standard logical systems that deviate from classical logic. In her book "Deviant Logic, Fuzzy Logic: Beyond the Formalism," Haack explores the implications of these alternative logics for traditional philosophical problems.
Pragmatism
Haack is a prominent figure in contemporary pragmatism. She has written extensively on the works of Peirce and James, and has developed her own version of pragmatism known as "innocent realism." Innocent realism is a form of scientific realism that emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence and practical consequences in the formation of beliefs.
Legal Philosophy
In addition to her work in epistemology and logic, Haack has made significant contributions to legal philosophy. She has written extensively on the nature of evidence and the role of scientific testimony in legal contexts. Her book "Evidence Matters: Science, Proof, and Truth in the Law" examines the interplay between scientific evidence and legal standards of proof, arguing for a more nuanced understanding of how scientific knowledge should be integrated into legal decision-making.
Publications
Haack is a prolific author, with numerous books and articles to her name. Some of her most influential works include:
- "Philosophy of Logics" (1978)
- "Deviant Logic, Fuzzy Logic: Beyond the Formalism" (1996)
- "Manifesto of a Passionate Moderate: Unfashionable Essays" (1998)
- "Defending Science—Within Reason: Between Scientism and Cynicism" (2003)
- "Putting Philosophy to Work: Inquiry and Its Place in Culture" (2008)
- "Evidence Matters: Science, Proof, and Truth in the Law" (2014)
Awards and Honors
Haack has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including:
- Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
- Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
- Honorary Doctorate from the University of Lund
- The Friedrich Waismann Prize for her contributions to philosophy
Personal Life
Susan Haack is known for her dedication to her students and her commitment to advancing the field of philosophy. She is married to philosopher John Woods, with whom she has collaborated on several projects. In her spare time, Haack enjoys reading, traveling, and engaging in public philosophical discussions.