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Frederick Copleston

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Philosopher

The Resume

    (May 10, 1907-February 2, 1994)
    Born in Somerset, United Kingdom
    Catholic priest/author/teacher most well-known for his multi-volume series, 'The History of Philosophy'
    Also author of 'Philosophy in Russia,' 'Aquinas,' 'Nietzsche' and many other books dealing primarily with philosophy
    Graduate of Marlborough College
    Anglican convert to Catholicism

Why he might be annoying:

    It took him almost thirty years (1946-1975) to finish 'The History of Philosophy.'
    He never served as a parish priest but instead spent his career as a priest as a teacher.
    He ignored non-Western philosophy in 'The History of Philosophy' and most of his other works as well.
    He was a Jesuit.
    He was more a writer about philosophy than a philosopher in his own right.

Why he might not be annoying:

    He was unable to pursue a doctorate due to WWII.
    He was expelled from college when he joined the Catholic Church.
    His most well-known work, 'The History of Philosophy,' was a staggering accomplishment and will probably remain a standard that will never be replaced.
    He was awarded a CBE, Commander of the British Empire, an award rarely given to teachers and/or philosophers and almost never given to Catholics.
    His famous debate on the existence of God with noted atheist Bertrand Russell in 1948 is still studied and discussed today due to the brilliant performance of the two men.
    Despite his awesome intellect, he remained a gentle pious man and actually became friends with his intellectual adversaries like Bertrand Russell.

Credit: tom_jeffords


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 6 Votes: 16.67% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 8 Votes: 87.50% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 6 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 14 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 2 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 13 Votes: 53.85% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 11 Votes: 45.45% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 19 Votes: 42.11% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 61 Votes: 62.30% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 8 Votes: 62.50% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 6 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 22 Votes: 68.18% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 96 Votes: 53.12% Annoying