William Ernest Hocking
William Ernest Hocking: Philosopher, Theologian, and Educator
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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William Ernest Hocking was born on January 10, 1873, in Cleveland, Ohio. He is often referred to as Bill Hocking by friends and family.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: January 10, 1873, in Cleveland, Ohio
Died: June 22, 1966, in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Nationality and Profession(s)
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William Ernest Hocking was an American philosopher, theologian, and educator. He spent most of his career at Harvard University.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, Hocking developed a deep interest in philosophy, particularly the works of Immanuel Kant and Friedrich Nietzsche. He attended Phillips Exeter Academy before enrolling at Harvard University. After completing his undergraduate studies, he went on to earn his master's degree from Harvard.
Major Accomplishments
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Throughout his career, William Ernest Hocking achieved numerous milestones:
Philosophical Contributions: Hocking made significant contributions to the field of philosophy, particularly in the areas of metaphysics and epistemology. His work focused on the nature of reality, knowledge, and truth.
Theological Works: As a theologian, Hocking wrote extensively on the relationship between philosophy and theology. He explored topics such as God's existence, the concept of evil, and the role of faith in modern society.
Educational Career: Hocking spent over 40 years at Harvard University, where he taught various subjects, including philosophy, ethics, and theology.Notable Works or Actions
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Some of William Ernest Hocking's notable works include:
"The Meaning of God in Modern Life" (1912) - A philosophical exploration of the concept of God and its relevance to modern society.
"The Divided Self" (1928) - A work that examines the relationship between the individual self and the external world.Impact and Legacy
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William Ernest Hocking's impact on philosophy, theology, and education is undeniable:
His philosophical contributions have influenced thinkers such as Alfred North Whitehead and John Dewey.
As a theologian, he helped shape the development of liberal theology in the early 20th century.
Through his educational career, Hocking inspired generations of students at Harvard University.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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William Ernest Hocking is widely quoted and remembered for his thought-provoking ideas on philosophy, theology, and education. His commitment to exploring the complexities of human existence continues to inspire readers today.
Quotes by William Ernest Hocking
Only the man who has enough good in him to feel the justice of the penalty can be punished.
It is right, or absolute right, that an individual should develop the powers that are in him. He may be said to have a “natural right” to become what he is capable of becoming. This is his only natural right.
Wherever moral ambition exists, there right exists. And moral ambition itself must be presumed present in subconsciousness, even when the conscious self seems to reject it, so long as society has resources for bringing it into action; in much the same way that the life-saver presumes life to exist in the drowned man until he has exhausted his resources for recovering respiration.
Mr. Rihani, we met once a thousand years ago and we may not meet again for another thousand years.
Principle II:;: The presumptions of the law are creative presumptions:;: they are aimed at conditions to be brought about, and only for that reason ignore conditions which exist.
Principle III:;: Presumptive rights are the conditions under which individual powers normally develop.
Nothing is more evident, I venture to think, as a result of two or three thousand years of social philosophizing, than that society must live and thrive by way of the native impulses of individual human beings.
Without good-will, no man has any presumptive right, except the right or opportunity to change his will, so long as there is hope of it.