Frank Ramsey

Despite his tragic death at the age of 26, Frank Ramsey (1903-1930) remains one of the most intriguing minds of the twentieth century. His thought had a profound influence of both Ludwig Wittgenstein and Bertrand Russell, and many strands of contemporary analytic philosophy find their origin in Ramsey's ideas. Frank Ramsey: Truth and Success introduces Ramsey's main doctrines and assesses their contemporary significance. In particular, Jérôme Dokic and Pascal Engel are interested in Ramsey's thoughts on truth and belief, and his pragmatic thesis that the truth of one's beliefs guarantees the success of one's actions. From this, it is a short step to what may be called "Ramsey's Principle": the content of a belief is constituted by the success of one's actions. This principle finds its current expression in the work of philosophers who offer evolutionary conceptions o mental states, according to which the success conditions of a belief are constituted by its biological functions. Frank Ramsey: Truth and Success provides a much-needed introduction to the work of this undervalued thinker, and makes an important and profound contribution to our understanding of Ramsey's work and his place in twentieth century philosophy. It will be of interest to all students of logic, metaphysics and the history of philosophy.