His work with phenomenological philosophy, analytic thinking, as well as the reputation for viewpoints aided promote years out-of philosophers inside in those sphere out of research. Foremost certainly his blogs was his courses James and you can Husserl: The newest Fundamentals off Meaning-a study for the contrasts away from phenomenology originator Edmund Husserl and you will pragmatist/functionalist William James-and you may Husserl and you will Analytic Philosophy, which traced the holiday anywhere between phenomenology and analytical philosophy, several trick philosophic actions of the twentieth century.
Cobb-Stevens said that, as he noticed Husserl’s phenomenology strategy is actually more productive compared to the analytic variety of Gottlob Frege-who centered brand new analytic course-he’d authored Husserl and you can Analytic Thinking with the expectation out of contributing to “restored dialogue” between them schools of thought: “[Husserl and you will Frege] one another common brand new conviction that people can perform some extent off mission details, no matter if our very own use of facts are always perspectival and historically conditioned.”
Inside the 2015, a level of essays in honor of Dr. Cobb-Stevens, Phenomenology from inside the an alternate Secret, try typed, featuring contributions out of numerous best experts in phenomenological philosophy away from Northern America and you will European countries.
“Cock would-be really appreciated getting their extremely important humanness,” told you Teacher from Viewpoints Patrick Byrne. “He had been enjoying and you can welcoming to everyone he satisfied, and you may tell you that the guy cared in regards to you as a keen individual. Dick got good spontaneity and try an excellent storyteller of an alternative form: He may help themselves drop-off when he received people to each other of the drawing them into facts.”
He had a new gift getting soothing stress in the group meetings, that’s no short achievement within the an effective school means
Dr. Cobb-Stevens’ associate Teacher Eileen Sweeney, speaking at his old-age lecture during 2009, recognized Husserl and you may Analytic Thinking such as away from their element to engage with and you can transcend instance departments. “It is thereon cusp you to definitely Richard’s philosophical functions features dwelt, eschewing both the reductionism and you can scientism, towards the one-hand, plus people premature retreat on the mysticism or poetry, on the other side. We wouldn’t declare that Richard’s believe has come so you’re able to other people during the particular effortless synthesis otherwise middle surface it is rather involved with an ongoing active dialectic.”
His success while the a specialist and you will copywriter failed to overshadow his abilities once the an instructor and you will mentor, added Sweeney, detailing that for more than thirty years Dr. Cobb-Stevens went the fresh new Viewpoints Department’s knowledge meeting getting doctoral youngsters, together with brought twenty-seven doctoral dissertations. College students, she said, cherished his ability to allow them to establish their consider but so you’re able to topic they to strict assessment and criticism.
His lectures got “an equivalent blend of style and you can clarity given that really does their creating,” told you Sweeney on 2009 skills. “He is able to often be mentioned for the to the anecdote people often consider for years to come one to epitomizes an issue otherwise point regarding point he or she is exercises. He or she is always happy to show a story that shows his own dilemmas and puzzlement in dealing with a challenge or problem, one which reveals his own humankind with a humility and that pupils see it you can easily so you’re able to emulate. ”
He could be prepared to sort out a problem with people when you look at the legitimate collaboration, knowing and you can enacting the brand new role off philosopher as the companion in place of possessor out of wisdom
Dr. Cobb-Stevens’ associates plus recalled him just like the “a resident of your own School” whom took on tasks and you will tasks that triggered the greater an excellent off their institution-because president off 1993-2002, he put global recognition in order to BC’s graduate programs when you look at the thinking and increase just how many opinions student discipline so you can among the many premier regarding the You.S.-and you may Boston University as a whole: He had been a member of the newest University Policy Panel additionally the University Informative Thought su respuesta Council, among almost every other regulators.