Date of Birth: July 25, 1880
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Date of Death: January 28, 1947
Biography
Morris Raphael Cohen was a prominent American philosopher, legal scholar, and social critic, known for his works in the areas of logic, scientific method, law, and ethics. Born into a Jewish family in Minsk, Belarus, Cohen immigrated to the United States at a young age. He went on to attend the City College of New York and later earned his Ph.D. from Harvard University. Cohen spent most of his academic career teaching philosophy at the City College of New York, where he influenced generations of students with his rigorous analytical approach and commitment to intellectual clarity. Cohen was a prolific writer, with works such as “Reason and Nature,” “Law and the Social Order,” and “A Preface to Logic” being highly influential in their respective fields. His philosophy was characterized by a commitment to logical analysis and a belief in the power of reason to address social and ethical issues. Cohen was also a vocal advocate for academic freedom and civil rights, and his work often intersected with contemporary social and political issues.
5 Interesting Facts about Morris Raphael Cohen
1. Cohen was one of the first Jewish professors at a major American university, breaking significant barriers in academia.
2. He was a mentor to many influential thinkers, including Sidney Hook and Horace M. Kallen.
3. Cohen was known for his interdisciplinary approach, often integrating ideas from science, law, and philosophy.
4. He advocated for the application of logical principles to social and ethical problems, a stance that was somewhat controversial at the time.
5. Cohen was a strong proponent of pragmatism, influenced by his interactions with philosophers like William James and John Dewey.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Morris Raphael Cohen
1. “The challenge of modernity is to live without illusions and without becoming disillusioned.”
2. “Philosophy is a battle against the bewitchment of our intelligence by means of language.”
3. “True freedom lies in the capacity for self-determination, and this capacity is rooted in the power of reason.”
4. “The pursuit of knowledge is not merely a means to an end but an end in itself, reflecting the highest form of human activity.”
5. “Law is not a set of rules but a dynamic process of balancing competing interests and values.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
As Cohen was primarily an academic and philosopher, there is no record of significant personal wealth. His net worth, in contemporary terms, would be modest, reflecting the typical earnings of a university professor of his era.
Children
Morris Raphael Cohen had three children: Felix S. Cohen, a noted legal scholar and philosopher in his own right; Leonore Cohen, who became a prominent educator; and Ruth Cohen, who pursued a career in social work.
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