Elizabeth Anscombe

Elizabeth Anscombe (1919-2001) was a British analytic philosopher who made significant contributions to ethics, action theory, and the philosophy of mind. She is particularly known for her work on intention and practical reasoning, as well as her influential translation of Ludwig Wittgenstein's Philosophical Investigations. Her 1958 essay "Modern Moral Philosophy" helped revive virtue ethics as a major approach in moral philosophy, critiquing both consequentialism and deontological ethics. The work introduced the term "consequentialism" and argued for a return to Aristotelian virtue-based approaches to ethics. Anscombe's book Intention (1957) is considered a foundational text in action theory, exploring the nature of intentional action and practical knowledge. The work influenced subsequent philosophers in their treatment of human action, agency, and practical reasoning. She held positions at Oxford University and later Cambridge University, where she became the first female professor of philosophy. Her philosophical work was marked by careful attention to ordinary language and a resistance to oversimplified philosophical theories, following in the tradition of her teacher Wittgenstein.

Readers note Anscombe's dense, technical writing style requires significant philosophical background to follow. Many describe her works as intellectually demanding but rewarding for those willing to invest the effort. Readers appreciate: - Precise analysis and rigorous arguments, especially in "Intention" - Fresh perspectives on moral philosophy that challenge conventional thinking - Clear explanations of Wittgenstein's ideas in her translations - Practical applications of philosophical concepts to real-world ethics Common criticisms: - Writing can be overly academic and inaccessible - Arguments sometimes assume too much prior knowledge - Some find her Catholic religious views influence her philosophical positions - Limited introductory material for newcomers to philosophy On Goodreads, "Intention" averages 4.1/5 stars across 148 ratings. "Modern Moral Philosophy" receives 4.3/5 from 89 ratings. Academic reviewers frequently cite these works, though general readers report difficulty engaging with the material without formal philosophy training. Several readers recommend starting with her shorter essays before tackling longer works.

Intention (1957) An analysis of intentional action and practical reasoning, examining how mental states relate to human behavior and responsibility.

An Introduction to Wittgenstein's Tractatus (1959) A detailed commentary and explanation of Wittgenstein's early philosophical work, focusing on logic and language.

Three Philosophers (1961) A study of Aristotle, Aquinas, and Frege's philosophical works, examining their contributions to logic and metaphysics.

Causality and Determination (1971) An examination of causation, determinism, and necessity in both scientific and philosophical contexts.

The Collected Philosophical Papers of G.E.M. Anscombe (1981) A three-volume collection of essays covering topics in ethics, action theory, and philosophical psychology.

Human Life, Action and Ethics (2005) A posthumously published collection of essays addressing moral philosophy, human nature, and ethical decision-making.

Faith in a Hard Ground (2008) A posthumously published collection of essays focusing on religion, faith, and their relationship to philosophical reasoning.

From Plato to Wittgenstein (2011) A posthumously published collection of essays examining major figures and developments in the history of philosophy.

Philippa Foot developed virtue ethics alongside Anscombe and explored similar themes about moral psychology and practical reason. She wrote extensively on natural goodness and the rationality of morality.

Iris Murdoch combined philosophical work on ethics with fiction writing, focusing on moral perception and the role of attention in ethics. She engaged with many of the same Wittgensteinian and Aristotelian themes as Anscombe.

Peter Geach wrote on logic, ethics, and religious philosophy while engaging closely with medieval philosophy. He collaborated with Anscombe on several works and shared her interest in action theory and practical reasoning.

Mary Midgley focused on human nature, ethics, and the relationship between humans and animals. She worked in the same Oxford philosophical tradition as Anscombe and challenged scientific reductionism.

Alasdair MacIntyre developed virtue ethics through historical analysis of moral philosophy and critique of modern moral theories. His work on tradition and rationality builds on Anscombe's "Modern Moral Philosophy" and its critique of contemporary ethics.