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Carl Gustav HempelGerman and American philosopher
Date of Birth: 08.01.1905
Country:  Germany |
Content:
Early Life and Education
Carl Gustav Hempel was born in Berlin, Germany, and studied mathematics and philosophy at the University of Göttingen. Influenced by David Hilbert's foundational work, Hempel developed an interest in proving the consistency of classical mathematics. He briefly attended the University of Heidelberg before returning to Berlin to study mathematics, physics, and philosophy.
Vienna Circle and Doctoral Thesis
In 1929, Hempel attended a conference where he met Rudolf Carnap. Inspired by Carnap's work, he moved to Austria and joined the Vienna Circle. In 1934, Hempel completed his doctoral dissertation on probability theory at the University of Berlin.
Exile and Academic Career
Fearing Nazi persecution, Hempel fled to Belgium in 1934. In 1937, he accepted an invitation to teach at the University of Chicago. He and his wife, Eva, left Europe for good in 1939. Hempel taught at City College, Yale, Princeton, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and the University of Pittsburgh.
Legacy and Honors
One of Hempel's notable students was Thomas S. Kuhn. He served as President of the Eastern Division of the American Philosophical Association, was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and received an honorary doctorate from the University of Konstanz. A street in his hometown was named in his honor.
