Joseph Raz

Israeli philosopher (1939–2022)

Joseph Raz was a prominent Israeli philosopher who made significant contributions to the fields of legal, moral, and political philosophy. Born in 1939, Raz spent his career exploring and advocating for various philosophical concepts, including legal positivism. His work on perfectionist liberalism is particularly notable, and it has had a lasting impact on the development of philosophical thought.

Raz held various academic positions throughout his career, including a professorship of philosophy of law at Balliol College, Oxford, where he spent the majority of his time. He also held part-time positions at Columbia University Law School and King's College London, demonstrating his widespread influence and reputation. In recognition of his contributions to the field, Raz was awarded the Tang Prize in Rule of Law in 2018. He passed away in 2022, leaving behind a legacy of philosophical inquiry and scholarship.