The Sociology of Philosophy

The video discusses the academic debates in philosophy, focusing on the divide between analytic and pluralist philosophers at Yale in the 1970s and the disputes at Princeton regarding the role of historical philosophy in contemporary studies. The speaker shares personal experiences from his career, highlighting the evolving perspectives on what constitutes philosophy.

What was the main division within the Yale philosophy department in 1976?

• Between metaphysicians and ethicists

• Between logical positivists and existentialists

• Between analytic philosophers and pluralists

• Between historical and contemporary philosophers

How were analytic philosophers perceived by the pluralists at Yale?

• As modern existentialists

• As followers of ancient Greek philosophy

• As contemporary versions of Carnapian logical positivists

• As advocates of Eastern philosophy

What was the atmosphere like in the Princeton philosophy department compared to Yale?

• Less divided and more analytic

• More focused on Eastern philosophy

• More focused on historical philosophy

• More divided between different philosophical schools

What was one professor's view on the history of philosophy at Princeton?

• It is irrelevant to modern philosophical discussions

• It should be integrated with contemporary philosophy

• It is more important than contemporary philosophy

• Anything older than ten years is just history

What was a key debate at Princeton regarding the role of historical philosophy?

• Its relevance to contemporary philosophical pursuits

• Whether it should be taught at all

• If it should replace contemporary philosophy

• Whether it should focus on Eastern traditions