Willard Van Orman Quine, Professor Emeritus at Harvard University, has been described as the greatest living English-speaking philosopher. In this series, he takes part in an in-depth personal interview, and a penetrating analysis of his life's work in six panel discussions with some of today's leading philosophers. In discussions with some of today's leading philosophers. In discussions on his most important theses, Quine defends his views against the major criticisms—past and recent—to bring his position right up-to-date. The result is a comprehensive, archival document which will provide a wealth of original material for research students and faculty, as well as a fundamental teaching resource for undergraduate courses.
The Fara Interview
Professor Quine talks to Rudolf Fara, Executive Director of the international charity Philosophy in Britain, about family background and his earliest philosophical thoughts. HE recalls his years as an undergraduate at Oberlin, graduate study at Harvard under A.N. Whitehead and his meeting with Bertrand Russell. He discusses his exposure to the logical positivists of the Vienna Circle, particularly Rudolf Carnap, and to the Polish Logicians of the Lvov-Warsaw School. The lighter theme of Professor Quine's likes and dislikes is explored, and finally, his is asked what question he would most like answered.