Archive of Sir Peter F. Strawson

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The archive comprises: Academic papers and manuscripts, 1946-1998 (includes full lectures with edits, article reviews, portions of manuscripts, and old exam paper drafts); Public engagements, 1970-1997 (transcripts of broadcast discussions on philosophy for the BBC, typed up interviews for the philosophical magazine Cogito, and eulogies given for prominent coworkers and friends); Personal papers and correspondence, 1942-2005 (including correspondence with Strawson's friend J.P. Carswell while in the military during World War II, an autobiographical chapter written about Strawson's personal and professional life, correspondence with George Kreisel in part concerning Kreisel's conversations with Francis Crick, and papers relating to Strawson's tour of the US and India in 1987-1988).

Dates

Creation: 1942-[c. 2000s], n.d.

Extent

1.8 Linear metres (12 boxes)

Language of Materials

English
French

Conditions Governing Access

Some material closed.

Conditions Governing Use

Requests to publish this material should be directed to the copyright holder, PF Strawson's son Galen. Lady Strawson wishes to be copied in as well on all requests. Contact details can be provided upon request.

Preferred Citation

Oxford, Bodleian Libraries [followed by shelfmark and folio or page reference, e.g. MS. 21718/1].

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Full range of shelfmarks:

MSS. 21718/1-12

Collection ID (for staff)

CMD ID 21718

Additional Description

Abstract

Academic and personal papers of Sir Peter F. Strawson, Waynflete Professor of Metaphysical Philosophy at the University of Oxford (Magdalen College) (1968-1987).

Biographical / Historical

This archive contains the remaining papers of Sir P.F. Strawson (1916-2006). Strawson was Waynflete Professor of Metaphysical Philosophy and a fellow of Magdalen College at the University of Oxford from 1968-1987. He was one of the most influential figures in post-war philopsophy and, in particular, analytical philosopy. Known for his book Individuals and other writings expounding upon descriptive metaphysics and shared conceptual schema, Strawson helped popularise the study of philosophy at the University of Oxford.

Arrangement

Arrangement of the Strawson archive has been kept roughly to the original order in which it was received by the Libraries. The seller wrote a full list of the archived contents, which can be found in MS. 21718/1 and was used to assist with cataloguing. The archive has been arranged into the following three series that are slightly condensed categories from the provided content list:

1. Academic papers and manuscripts 2. Public engagements 3. Correspondence and personal papers