Cavaillés, Jean

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Categories: Biographical notes

Jean Cavaillés (1903 – 1944) was a French philosopher who worked on the philosophy of science and mathematics. Soon after he began his academic career it was interrupted by World War 2, and then the German invasion of France. He was captured while an army officer defending France, and held in Belgium (which had already surrendered), but escaped and returned to France. After France's surrender he joined the French Resistance to the occupation. He was arrested by the French Police (then working under the authority of the German occupiers) and imprisoned. During this time he wrote the short book (English title: "On logic and the theory of science") for which perhaps he is now best known. He escaped imprisonment and fled to the U.K.; but he later return to France and took part in direct action (sabotage). He was arrested again, this time by the Gestapo (the German Third Reich's secret police) and executed a few months before the liberation of France.

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Author: Keith

Former school and college science teacher, teacher educator, research supervisor, and research methods lecturer. Emeritus Professor of Science Education at the University of Cambridge.