Biography of John Anderson

John Anderson was a graduate of the University of Glasgow. He was born on 1st November 1893 in Stonehouse, Lankarshire, son of Alexander Anderson, a schoolmaster, and his wife Elizabeth.

Anderson first matriculated at the University in 1911 to study for an MA. He took a wide variety of subjects during his time here, concentrating on Mathematics at the start of his degree and specialising in Philosophy towards the end. Anderson had a successful academic career, winning prizes in Mathematics, Natural Philosophy and Logic and Metaphysics. He was also awarded the Edward Caird Medal in 1917 for distinction in Moral Philosophy.

After graduating MA in 1917, Anderson began lecturing at the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire (now known as Cardiff University) (1917-19), the University of Glasgow (1919-20) and at the University of Edinburgh (1920-26). He taught various branches of Philosophy at different levels, such as logic, ethics and philosophy of mind. He became the Challis chair of Philosophy at the University of Sydney in 1927, where he remained until 1958.

Anderson is viewed as one of the most original philosophers to have ever worked in Australia, taking a critical approach to everything from censorship to patriotism. He died on 6th July 1962, survived by his wife and son.

Summary

John Anderson
Born 1 November 1893.
Died 6 July 1962.
University Link: GU Degree: MA, 1917; Arts,
Occupation categories: philosophers
Record last updated: 26th Feb 2016