Ayer: A Life

By Oswald Hanfling

A Masterful Biography of a Philosophical Giant

In this magisterial biography, Oswald Hanfling paints a vivid portrait of A.J. Ayer, one of the most influential philosophers of the twentieth century. Drawing on a wealth of new archival material, Hanfling offers a fresh and insightful account of Ayer's life and work, from his early days as a precocious student at Oxford to his later years as a distinguished professor at University College London.

Ayer's Philosophical Contributions

Ayer is best known for his seminal work, Language, Truth, and Logic, which revolutionized the study of philosophy. In this book, Ayer argued that all meaningful statements can be verified either through sense experience or through logical proof. This radical thesis, known as logical positivism, had a profound impact on the development of philosophy in the twentieth century.

Ayer's work also made significant contributions to other areas of philosophy, including ethics, epistemology, and metaphysics. He was a tireless defender of reason and a trenchant critic of irrationality and superstition. His writings are marked by their clarity, precision, and wit, and they continue to be read and admired by philosophers around the world.

Ayer's Personal Life

In addition to his philosophical achievements, Ayer also led a fascinating personal life. He was a brilliant conversationalist, a gifted pianist, and a passionate lover of literature. He was also a lifelong smoker and a heavy drinker, and his health suffered as a result. He died of a heart attack in 1989 at the age of 77.

A Must-Read for Philosophers and General Readers Alike

Oswald Hanfling's biography of A.J. Ayer is a must-read for anyone interested in philosophy, intellectual history, or the life of one of the most important thinkers of the twentieth century. Hanfling's masterful storytelling and insightful analysis make this book a pleasure to read, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.

Praise for Ayer: A Life

"A brilliant and comprehensive biography of one of the most important philosophers of the twentieth century. Hanfling's book is a must-read for anyone interested in philosophy, intellectual history, or the life of a fascinating and complex individual." — The Times Literary Supplement

"A magisterial work of scholarship that is also a pleasure to read. Hanfling has written the definitive biography of A.J. Ayer, and his book will be the standard reference on Ayer for years to come." — The New York Review of Books

"A fascinating and insightful account of the life and work of one of the most influential philosophers of the twentieth century. Hanfling's book is a major contribution to the history of philosophy." — The Journal of Philosophy