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A well-known philosopher of science, Professor Musgrave studied under Karl Popper at the LSE, and held the Chair in Philosophy at the University of Otago from 1970 until his retirement in 2011. On the Otago Department homepage there is currently a memorial notice (scroll down for it). Comments are open for remembrances from those who knew Professor Musgrave or for those who would like to comment on the significance of his work.
(Thanks to David Gordon and Alex Miller for the information.)
I remember Alan fondly from my time as an undergrad at Otago in the 90s. My peers and I had no idea (or at least I didn’t) that we were being taught by such a major figure in philosophy of science. We just saw this gangly, droll, and clearly immensely intelligent man with a funny British accent. I only got an inkling of his stature in the profession when I was applying to graduate schools, and my advisor remarked that a lot of people would be hugely impressed to see that I had a letter from Alan Musgrave.
Alan would proudly display his “Beware of the Mad Dog Realist” sign to us in class, while simultaneously insisting that he was, in fact, only a “lap dog” realist – because he was not a mathematical Platonist.
I’m amused, now, that I learned of his passing on the same day I read of Bas van Fraassen’s receipt of the Schock Prize. Alan would have been the first to applaud that award, I’m sure – but he would have been unable to resist following the applause with a withering critique of van Fraassen’s views! There was much exposition and critique of van Fraassen in Alan’s philosophy of science class.
Most of all, though, I remember Alan’s kindness and patience towards his students, and his impish sense of humor. My thoughts are with his family.
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