Philosopher Mary Midgley dies at 99

The philosopher Mary Midgley passed away at the age of 99 on 10th October, her family has announced.

Midgley, formerly a senior lecturer in philosophy at Newcastle University, as well as the recipient of honorary doctorates from Durham and Newcastle universities, published her first book, Beast And Man (Routledge) in 1978, and was the author of many other books with a focus on science, ethics and animal rights. Her most recent book What is Philosophy For? was published by Bloomsbury Academic just weeks ago, on 20th September.

Bloomsbury commented: "Mary was one of the most important moral philosophers of the 20th century and one of the first thinkers to write seriously about our ethical responsibility to animals and the environment. She leaves a legacy sure to inspire many generations of philosophers, particularly women in the field.
 
"Not many authors can be known to publish a book in their 100th year, but we are incredibly honoured to have worked with her on her last book, What Is Philosophy For?, which published a few weeks ago, and heartened to hear from her family how pleased she was with it. Its quality and remarkable insights do not fall short of the brilliant mind that penned it."