I first met Ruth Barcan Marcus when I was first starting out in philosophy. She was sometimes attending the meetings of the American Philosophical Association. Someone -- I don't recall who -- introduced me to this legend, a woman I had only read about in books, a person whose logic I had studied for years. Of course, I already knew that Ruth would be extremely insightful but I quickly learned that she was also a lot of fun, supportive, forward-looking and adventurous.
After our initial encounter at the smoker we agreed to have lunch the following day. I was still addicted to cigarettes back then and after lunch I was going out for a quick smoke. To my surprise Ruth joined me. She even had half a cigarette with me. "I haven't smoked for years," she said, "but I still enjoy one now and then." Ruth told me that she was working on a grand theory of belief. Sadly, she never finished it.
During our subsequent encounters Ruth conveyed to me that she did not have it easy as a woman in philosophy. She once submitted a paper under the name "Ruth Barcan." The journal editor (I believe she said it was Quine) wrote to her that she could not submit a paper under that name, as that was her maiden name. Since she was now married to Mr. Marcus, she was required to submit and publish under the name "Marcus."
It must have been tough being a young Ruth. She had no (or few) female peers. She had to fight for her views in a (nearly) male-only profession. Despite all that, she achieved amazing results. Modal formulas carry her name. She is still cited everywhere. She is a role-model for nearly every young woman in philosophy. I will never cease to be impressed with her and her achievements.
Hearing about Ruth's death was devastating to me. Part of me thought she would live forever, or if not forever, then at least until she had finished her big-picture theory of belief. There was no doubt in my mind that I would see her at one of the next APA meetings, have lunch with her and talk philosophy. It saddens me deeply that I will never experience her in action again. However, she will forever be an inspiration and a role model to me.
Ruth was not only a role model and a source of inspiration, she was also a loving and caring person, and always glowing. She was ageless. Even when she needed a cane to walk, age did not show. Her energy and optimism canceled out any wrinkle or physical weakness she might have had.
Ruth gave female philosophers like me hope, she made us continue despite all odds against us. She cared about her young peers, she would never turn down a request for comments or remarks on a paper. She is no doubt one of the most amazing people I have ever met. She is part of who I am today. She will be missed.
Recent Comments