Georg Henrik von Wright (1916-2003) was a Finnish philosopher and logician who made influential contributions to various fields, particularly in the realms of philosophy of language, logic, and ethics. He is widely recognized as one of the leading figures of the analytic tradition.
Born in Helsinki, Finland, von Wright studied philosophy at the University of Helsinki before completing his doctorate in philosophy at the University of Cambridge. He later became a professor at the University of Helsinki and also held academic positions at renowned universities such as the University of Stockholm and the University of Cambridge.
Von Wright's work encompassed a diverse range of topics, including logic and its applications, action theory, and normative ethics. He was known for his rigorous and systematic approach to philosophical inquiry and his commitment to clarity and precision in language. His writings often showcased a deep understanding of the philosophical problems he tackled, as well as a thorough engagement with the works of influential thinkers like Ludwig Wittgenstein and Immanuel Kant.
Von Wright's most notable contributions include his work on the philosophy of action, where he examined topics such as intention, explanation of action, and the relationship between actions and norms. He also made significant contributions to the philosophy of language, exploring concepts such as verificationism and the nature of normative discourse. Additionally, his book "The Varieties of Goodness" remains a prominent work in the field of moral philosophy, wherein he addresses questions related to the nature of moral values and the possibility of moral objectivity.
Throughout his career, von Wright received numerous awards and honors, solidifying his status as a leading figure in philosophy. Today, he is remembered as a highly influential philosopher whose insights continue to shape the discourse in fields such as logic, ethics, and philosophy of language.
