His are employed in phenomenological philosophy, analytical beliefs, while the reputation of values aided encourage generations out of philosophers inside when it comes to those sphere from search. Primary certainly one of his weblog had been his books James and Husserl: New Foundations out of Definition-a survey during the contrasts out of phenomenology creator Edmund Husserl and pragmatist/functionalist William James-and you may Husserl and you may Analytical Philosophy, and this traced the break ranging from phenomenology and you may analytic values, a couple secret philosophic actions of 20th century.
Cobb-Stevens asserted that, as he felt Husserl’s phenomenology method was more successful compared to analytical type Gottlob Frege-whom depending this new analytical path-he’d authored Husserl and you can Analytic Beliefs with the expectation regarding causing “restored conversation” among them universities away from consider: “[Husserl and you can Frege] both mutual the fresh conviction we can perform some degree out-of goal facts, regardless if the access to truth is always perspectival and you may over the years conditioned.”
Inside the 2015, a number of essays in honor of Dr. Cobb-Stevens, Phenomenology when you look at the a different Trick, is actually authored, presenting contributions out-of numerous leading specialists in phenomenological opinions from Northern The usa and you can European countries.
“Dick could well be very remembered to possess their extremely important humanness,” told you Teacher away from Philosophy Patrick Byrne. “He had been loving and you may welcoming to any or all the guy met, and you can let you know that the guy cared in regards to you given that a keen private. Knob had good love of life and was a good storyteller of a separate type: He may let themselves disappear as he drew some body to one another from the attracting them with the story.”
He previously a different present for relaxing stress in group meetings, which is zero brief achievement inside a beneficial school form
Dr. Cobb-Stevens’ associate Teacher Eileen Sweeney, speaking from the their retirement lecture during 2009, praised Husserl and you will Analytic Thinking for instance out of his element to interact which have and transcend eg divisions. “It is thereon cusp you to Richard’s philosophical really works provides dwelt, eschewing both the reductionism and you may scientism, into one-hand, along with one premature sanctuary on mysticism or poetry, on the other side. I wouldn’t point out that Richard’s think has come so you can other individuals inside certain simple synthesis otherwise center crushed it is as an alternative involved with an ongoing dynamic dialectic.”
Their profits because a researcher and you can publisher don’t overshadow his results because the an instructor and you will advisor, added Sweeney, listing one for over 30 years Dr. Cobb-Stevens ran new Philosophy Department’s practise seminar having doctoral youngsters, together with led twenty-seven doctoral dissertations. Pupils, she said, valued their ability to allow them to create their imagine however, so you’re able to subject it in order to rigorous investigations and feedback.
Their lectures had “the same mixture of concept and clearness while the really does his composing,” said Sweeney in the 2009 experiences. “He is able to always be mentioned on towards the anecdote youngsters tend to remember for years to come you to epitomizes an issue otherwise topic regarding the situation he or she is exercises. They are always willing to express a story that displays his individual difficulties and you can puzzlement when controling a challenge otherwise dilemma, the one that exposes their own mankind that have a beneficial humility and this children notice it you can easily so you can emulate. ”
He could be willing to work through an issue with youngsters in genuine cooperation, understanding and you may enacting the brand new part of philosopher as lover in the place of possessor of facts
Dr. Cobb-Stevens’ associates as well as remembered him because “a citizen of University” just who obtained opportunities and you can assignments you to definitely lead to more a beneficial regarding their institution-while the president out-of 1993-2002, he delivered international identification to help you BC’s scholar applications within the philosophy and increase exactly how many philosophy student discipline so you can among the many premier throughout the U.S.-and you can Boston University total: He jpeoplemeet for real was a member of the College Rules Panel together with College or university Academic Planning Council, certainly most other bodies.
