Their operate in phenomenological opinions, analytical viewpoints, together with history of viewpoints helped inspire years of philosophers with it when it comes to those industries regarding browse. Main certainly one of his website was basically his books James and you can Husserl: The new Foundations regarding Definition-a study in contrasts away from phenomenology inventor Edmund Husserl and you will pragmatist/functionalist William James-and you may Husserl and Analytic Values, hence tracked the break ranging from phenomenology and you may analytic beliefs, a few trick philosophic movements of the 20th century.
Cobb-Stevens said that, while he experienced Husserl’s phenomenology means are more successful compared to the analytical type Gottlob Frege-exactly who oriented the newest analytical path-he previously published Husserl and Analytical Viewpoints with the hope from causing “restored discussion” among them schools out-of imagine: “[Husserl and you will Frege] both mutual new conviction that people can achieve some extent out of purpose knowledge, even in the event the use of facts are constantly perspectival and you can over the years trained.”
Inside the 2015, a quantity of essays honoring Dr. Cobb-Stevens, Phenomenology in a different sort of Secret, is actually authored, presenting benefits off several top experts in phenomenological beliefs out-of North The united states and European countries.
“Dick will be extremely remembered getting their crucial humanness,” said Professor off Opinions Patrick Byrne. “He was loving and you may inviting to everyone the guy met, and tell you that he cared in regards to you since an enthusiastic individual. Cock had an excellent sense of humor and you will is actually an excellent storyteller from a unique form: He might assist himself disappear as he drew anybody to each other by the attracting them towards facts.”
He’d an alternate present to own relaxing stress into the meetings, that is no small success inside the a beneficial school form
Dr. Cobb-Stevens’ colleague Professor Eileen Sweeney, speaking from the their retirement lecture in ’09, recognized Husserl and you will Analytic Viewpoints by way of example from his function to engage having and transcend eg departments. “It’s thereon cusp one to Richard’s philosophical work has actually dwelt, eschewing the reductionism and you will scientism, to your one-hand, and any untimely sanctuary into the mysticism otherwise poetry, on the other side. I wouldn’t say that Richard’s thought has come so you’re able to other people when you look at the some easy synthesis otherwise middle floor it is rather engaged in a continuous dynamic dialectic.”
Their victory once the a specialist and you will journalist didn’t overshadow his results while the a teacher and you may mentor, extra Sweeney, detailing that for more than 3 decades Dr. Cobb-Stevens went brand new Values Department’s teaching seminar to own doctoral pupils, along with directed twenty seven doctoral dissertations. People, she said, appreciated his capability to permit them to establish their particular consider however, to help you topic they so you’re able to rigorous analysis and you may critique.
Their lectures had “the same blend of concept and quality as the do his creating,” told you Sweeney from the 2009 skills. “He is able to often be mentioned into toward anecdote students tend to think of for many years you to definitely epitomizes an issue or thing in the matter he’s practise. He could be constantly willing to express a story that displays their individual troubles and you may puzzlement in working with a problem kissbrides.com leer otherwise hassle, one that exposes his very own humankind having a good humility and this college students find it you’ll be able to to emulate. ”
He’s prepared to sort out an issue with pupils when you look at the genuine collaboration, knowing and you will enacting the newest part off philosopher while the partner in lieu of possessor from expertise
Dr. Cobb-Stevens’ acquaintances in addition to remembered your as the “a citizen of the College or university” who took on tasks and you will assignments one lead to more an excellent out-of his agencies-as the president of 1993-2002, he introduced internationally detection so you’re able to BC’s graduate programs when you look at the viewpoints while increasing how many philosophy undergraduate discipline to one of many largest in the U.S.-and Boston College or university as a whole: He had been a member of the latest College Rules Panel as well as the College or university Informative Considered Council, certainly one of almost every other bodies.