Antony Flew
Philosopher and academic on atheism

Born
February 11th, 1923
102 years ago
Died
April 8th, 2010
15 years ago — 87 years old
Category
Thinkers & Philosophers
Country
United Kingdom
Links & References
Significant contributions to philosophy included discussions on atheism and belief in God. Authored influential works such as 'God and Philosophy' and 'The presumption of atheism.' Flew's philosophical inquiries focused on the nature of language and the philosophy of science. Later in life, he caused considerable debate by announcing a change in belief towards deism, arguing for a rational basis for belief in a divine creator.
Authored 'God and Philosophy'
Published 'The Presumption of Atheism'
Converted from atheism to deism
Other People Born on February 11th
Leo Szilard
Born in Hungary, a physicist contributed significantly to the development of nuclear physics and the concept of nuclear chain reactions. Emigrated to the United States due to rising anti-Semitism in Europe. Worked at Columbia University and collaborated with other prominent scientists. Instrumental in the Manhattan Project, which led to the development of atomic bomb technology during World War II. Advocated for the peaceful use of nuclear energy and warned against the potential dangers of nuclear weapons.
Continue ReadingLydia Maria Child
A prominent journalist, author, and activist, contributed significantly to social reform in the 19th century. Published a series of influential books, including 'Hobomok' in 1824, which was one of the first novels to depict Native American characters sympathetically. Actively campaigned against slavery and supported women's rights, writing extensively on both subjects. Served as editor for the influential magazine 'The National Anti-Slavery Standard' and was among the first to advocate for the rights of women and children. Her work laid the foundation for the abolitionist movement and she became a respected voice among reformers.
Continue ReadingMelville Fuller
Served as the 8th Chief Justice of the United States from 1888 to 1910. Oversaw significant Supreme Court cases including Lochner v. New York and Plessy v. Ferguson. Contributed to the development of American law through influential decisions and opinions. Held various roles in legal associations and advocated for important legal reforms during tenure as Chief Justice.
Continue ReadingMike Oxley
Served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 2007. Represented Ohio's 4th congressional district. Played a significant role in the passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in 2002, which established new regulations for public company accounting and auditing. Prior to Congress, worked as a lawyer and served in the Ohio state government, including roles in the Ohio State Senate.
Continue ReadingJōsei Toda
Significant contributions to education and social reform occurred throughout a notable career. Participated in the establishment of the Soka Gakkai organization, which aimed to promote peace, education, and cultural exchange. Instrumental in developing a network of educational institutions that stressed the importance of humanistic values. Advocated for educational reform in Japan during the post-war period, emphasizing the need for a more compassionate and democratic approach to learning.
Continue ReadingJean Baptiste Charbonneau
Born to a Shoshone mother and a French Canadian father, Charbonneau was brought up in the North American wilderness. He accompanied the Lewis and Clark Expedition as a guide and interpreter in 1804-1806, contributing valuable knowledge about the land and the indigenous peoples. After the expedition, he served as a fur trader and explored various parts of the West. Charbonneau later played a role in the Oregon Trail migration and helped settlers navigate to the Pacific Northwest.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on April 8th
Francis II Rákóczi
A significant figure in Hungarian history, led a revolt against Habsburg rule during the early 18th century. This prince of Transylvania was instrumental in the Rákóczi War of Independence, which sought to establish Hungary's sovereignty. Despite initial successes, the movement faced numerous challenges, and an eventual defeat led to the prince's exile. Throughout his life, advocated for Hungarian independence and aimed to unify the country against foreign domination. After years of exile, efforts included attempts to regain political support for the Hungarian cause from European powers.
Continue ReadingMagdalen Dacre
Descended from a prominent aristocratic family, this individual was involved in the English court and held various titles throughout life. Marriages established connections with influential figures, strengthening ties with the nobility. Participation in the politics of the time included engagements with other notable families, impacting social structures. Life concluded in the early 17th century, leaving behind a legacy tied to lineage and the complexities of court life.
Continue ReadingLars Hanson
A prominent actor in the silent film era, contributed significantly to Swedish cinema. His performances in several films captivated audiences and helped to shape the landscape of early cinema. Gained recognition for roles in 'Sir Arne's Treasure' and 'The Phantom Carriage'. Transitioned to talkies, continuing to work in film until the early 1960s. His work influenced future generations of actors, and he is remembered as a key figure in the development of Swedish film.
Continue ReadingLoránd Eötvös
Significant contributions were made to physics, particularly in the study of gravity and the gravimetric measurement of Earth's gravitational field. Served as Minister of Education in Hungary. Held academic positions, including at the University of Budapest. Conducted research that advanced understanding of physical phenomena and developed instruments for measuring gravitational force. Published numerous scientific papers and developed the Eötvös experiment, enhancing the measurement of surface tension.
Continue ReadingWolfgang Dietrich of Castell-Remlingen
Held the title of Count of Castell-Remlingen. Governed the region during a period marked by feudal complexities and local governance challenges. Was part of the German nobility that played a significant role in the political landscape of the time. Managed the affairs of his domain and engaged in various alliances and conflicts characteristic of 17th-century nobility. Made contributions to the local administration and participated in regional politics.
Continue ReadingMarian Anderson
A renowned opera singer and vocal soloist, gained prominence in the early 20th century. Achieved international recognition for performances at prestigious venues, including a historic concert at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939 after being denied the opportunity to perform at Constitution Hall. Anderson's powerful contralto voice and artistic achievements transcended the barriers of race, making significant contributions to the arts and civil rights. Received numerous accolades throughout the career, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963.
Continue Reading