The Philosophy Talk team is deeply saddened by Ken Taylor's unexpected and untimely passing. Ken was the show's co-founder, longtime co-host, chief cheerleader, and guiding light. We already miss him but are grateful for the legacy that he's left for us—his philosophical wisdom, deep insight... and booming charismatic radio voice on each of our 500 episodes to date.
If you're inclined to take a deep dive into Ken's personal background and life as a philosopher, then we think you'll thoroughly enjoy this extensive interview. You can also read his Stanford obituary, and John Perry's tribute.
We're touched and honored that Ken's wife requested for donations in his memory to be made to Philosophy Talk.
And as an impromptu tribute, we present to you these short video clips of Ken in action.
Comments (7)
werewolf500
Wednesday, December 4, 2019 -- 12:52 PM
PassingThank you to Ken for helping me see that my chosen path in life could touch others in a positive way and that I was not so alone. Rest in Peace. To Philosophy Talk Team: I do not know what to say about your loss that might help. I can say this, He was love(d) even when I disagreed with him, and I never questioned his intelligence.
mlrich
Wednesday, December 4, 2019 -- 3:54 PM
Ken TaylorYou will be deeply missed by those of us who loved your intelligence, voice and generosity of spirit.
Tim Smith
Wednesday, December 4, 2019 -- 8:11 PM
Ken TaylorThis must be Ken's final and utter avoidance of getting on with The Natural History of Normative Consciousness. Well the joke is on him. He's still got a fresh book out and I am going to savour every word. I've got my philosophy brew poured, my kobo charged... it's going to be a long quiet night of Ken's words and my sorrow. Meaning Diminished ... indeed.
Cheers Ken Taylor,
Always
KTdid
Thursday, December 5, 2019 -- 7:37 AM
Farewell, Ken TaylorI am so new to this site, but after watching the clips of and about Ken Taylor, I can honestly say that I miss him
and am saddened by the loss
Matt Porta
Thursday, December 5, 2019 -- 3:26 PM
My heart goes out to Ken'sMy heart goes out to Ken's family and friends. I did not know Ken personally - but his work, passion, intelligence and humanity truly touched me. Ken and the others from Philosophy Talk has helped me live a better and more engaged lifeand become a better person. He was a truly great Teacher. Ken - Thank you
mirugai
Saturday, December 7, 2019 -- 6:03 PM
KenNo no no, this can't be! Philosophy is useless with one exception, but such fun. (The one exception is when it is immoral not to "draw the line," as in "but where do you draw the line?", the philosopher by training and practice and exercise, will draw the line.) Without a dialog, philosophy is reduced to sophistry and advocacy. Ken was the other party to the necessary dialog, and represented his "adopted," often, position so well. Philosophy is considered obtuse and an overly-intellectualization by many; but Ken always produced clarity and his paths to reason so well.
I'm sure Ken is in some consciousness heaven now, and as Jews believe, Ken lives on in consciousness as long as we remember him. He's probably trying to find God there, to see the nature of His existence. Ken is held securely, dearly, in the hearts of all who love philosophy.
sminsuk
Sunday, December 8, 2019 -- 9:11 PM
He'll be missedI love the video clips! Never met Ken, but have been enjoying his distinctive voice on Philosophy Talk for years. I will miss him. Condolences to all who knew him.