IB
Philosophy & Social Sciences

Isaiah Berlin

Who

Isaiah Berlin · Philosophy & Social Sciences

What

British political philosopher and historian of ideas, known for 'Two Concepts of Liberty' and value pluralism

When

1909, Riga, Latvia (then Russian Empire) — 1997, Oxford, England

Where

United Kingdom

Biography

Isaiah Berlin is recognized among Jewish contributors to Philosophy & Social Sciences — British political philosopher and historian of ideas, known for 'Two Concepts of Liberty' and value pluralism

How & why

Born to a Jewish family in Riga and raised in Britain, Berlin became one of the twentieth century's foremost political philosophers and historians of ideas. In 'Two Concepts of Liberty' (1958) he distinguished 'negative' from 'positive' liberty, and he championed value pluralism — the view that genuine human values can irreconcilably conflict. A committed liberal and Zionist, he was knighted and awarded the Order of Merit.

Sources & external links

Verify and go deeper with these external references.

Source: Jinfo.org — Jews in Philosophy

Contributions & Sources

British political philosopher and historian of ideas, known for 'Two Concepts of Liberty' and value pluralism

1909

Source: Jinfo.org — Jews in Philosophy