zoom_in Click to enlarge

Norman Malcolm

▲ ▼

description Norman Malcolm Overview

Norman Malcolm (1911-1990) was an American philosopher who studied under Ludwig Wittgenstein at Cambridge University in the late 1930s. He became one of the leading interpreters of Wittgenstein's philosophy and helped popularize his ideas in North America. Malcolm taught at Cornell University from 1947 until his retirement, influencing generations of philosophers in the analytic tradition. His major contributions include work on philosophy of mind, particularly on concepts of dreaming and consciousness, as well as his attempt to revive the ontological argument for God's existence.

His book "Ludwig Wittgenstein: A Memoir" remains an important biographical source.

help Norman Malcolm FAQ

How was Norman Malcolm connected to Ludwig Wittgenstein?

Norman Malcolm studied under Wittgenstein at Cambridge in the late 1930s and became one of his important interpreters. Malcolm later helped introduce Wittgenstein's ideas to a wider North American audience.

What areas of philosophy did Norman Malcolm work in?

Malcolm wrote about Wittgenstein, philosophy of mind, knowledge, and ordinary-language philosophy. He lived from 1911 to 1990 and was an American philosopher.

What is Ludwig Wittgenstein: A Memoir by Norman Malcolm?

It is Malcolm's personal and philosophical account of Wittgenstein, published in 1958. The book is an important source for readers interested in Wittgenstein's life and intellectual influence.

Where did Norman Malcolm teach?

Norman Malcolm taught at Cornell University after his Cambridge period. His academic career helped establish him as a leading American interpreter of Wittgenstein.