WILLARD VAN ORMAN QUINE (by Warren Goldfarb)

Van Quine thought that meaning is dead

It’s not just that it ain’t in the head

You can translate one way

But there’s always much play

In construing what others have said

Note: Warren Goldfarb, prosodist extraordinaire, was my philosophical (and logical) mentor when I was an undergraduate at Harvard (1982-1986).  Had it not been for his help and sage advice, I would not be a philosopher, I would not have met my spouse, my children would not exist, and so on.  Ergo: thanks, Warren!

AND ONE FINAL META-LIMERICK

That iambic pentameter’s cool,

Had to learn it in primary school.

But trimeter’s the best

When the foot’s anapest:

In great poetry limericks rule.

DAVID BRINK

I’m a fan of the great David Brink,

In defense of the just he won’t blink.

No matter the season

He listens to reason:

Before acting, it's better to think.

FRANCES MYRNA KAMM

I’m in awe of the great Frances Kamm,

She’s the intricate cases grandam.

If a runaway tram

Starts a wham bam slam jam,

Lazy Susan will just have to scram.

PETER SINGER

Pay heed to that sharp Peter Singer,

The great consequentialist ringer.

If you save that poor kid

You’ll be glad that you did:

In striving for good, don't malinger.

TYLER BURGE

I’m impressed with the great Tyler Burge;

From his mind wondrous theories emerge.

He’s a true polymath

Who has blazed a new path:

For the sum of his writings, I'll splurge.

BARBARA HERMAN

Let’s hear it for Barbara Herman,

She keeps consequentialists squirmin’.

She knows her Kant backwards,

She sets all the standards,

And can't be refuted in German.