Stephen Daniel (1950-2025)
Stephen H. Daniel, emeritus professor of philosophy at Texas A&M University, has died.
Professor Daniel worked mainly in early modern philosophy, and was known for his work on Berkeley, Toland, Edwards, and others. He is the author of George Berkeley and Early Modern Philosophy (2021), Contemporary Continental Thought (2005), The Philosophy of Jonathan Edwards: A Study in Divine Semantics (1994), Myth and Modern Philosophy (1990), John Toland: His Method, Manners, and Mind (1984), among many other works, which you can learn more about here and here.
Before joining the Department of Philosophy at Texas A&M in 1983, he taught at Spring Hill College and Mount St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles. He earned his PhD and MA in philosophy from St. Louis University, and his undergraduate degree from St. Joseph Seminary College.
An obituary of Stephen Daniel, with information about an upcoming celebration of his life, is here.
(via Tobias Flattery)
This is sad news. From the linked obituary: “When asked how he would like to be remembered, he responded: ‘Good teacher, engaged kayaker, nice guy.'”
I never had Steve as a teacher or kayaked with him, but I can attest that he was a nice guy. He was very supportive to me at an early stage of my career with encouraging things to say about my work. It was very nice of him to take time to contribute this spirit at conferences and workshops (some of which he organized and others which he attended), leading to an environment in which junior scholars felt welcome. At least, I can confirm he did this and it made a difference to me. RIP.
Stephen Daniel was a generous and supportive mentor to me, a good colleague, and an energetic supporter of early modern philosophy. I will remember him especially for the lovely, warm conference dinners that he hosted with Breaux at their house. Many of my best conversations with colleagues took place there, crowded around tables or out on the porch overlooking the lake. He will be missed.