Rom HARRÉ (°1927 - 2019)
Profession: Psychologist, Philosopher, Mathematician, Author
Nationality: British
Why an honorary doctorate?
In 1986, Rom Harré received an honorary doctorate from VUB.
Multi-talented
Rom Harré's knowledge stretched across the fields of mathematics, philosophy, psychology, chemistry and more.
He made contributions of monumental value to social progress and passed on his excitement and dedication. He inspired, motivated and did not shy away from critical thinking.
His worldly flair and knowledge was a perfect match for the university roots from which the future grows.
Words worthy of a scientist. About how the smallest particles of everything lead to existence and without meaning they no longer mean anything. The universe contains everything; without content, it is nothing. There is never emptiness because there are always words to explain.
"There is nothing in the universe except meaning and molecules."
About his career
Philosophy of science
As a mathematician and philosopher, Harré is actively involved in the establishment of the Honours School of Physics and Philosophy at University College, Oxford in 1960.
Trueborn inspirer
Harré is a trueborn inspirer. He mentors numerous up-and-coming scientists. He has been called one of the most productive social scientists in the world.
Encyclopaedic knowledge
He has written papers on philosophy of science and natural philosophy of science, social psychology, mathematical philosophy, chemistry, sociology, etc.
Honorary doctorates: Helsinki, Arhus and Lima
2010 Lifetime Achievement Award
Honoured inspirer
In 1954, Harré returns to the university benches at University College, Oxford (UK). Harré becomes a fellow at the University of Birmingham (UK) before taking a seat behind the lectern at the University of Leicester (UK) for two years in 1957.
1960: Oxford beckons, and Harré begins teaching philosophy of science there. He is actively involved in the establishment of the Honours School of Physics and Philosophy and takes an important role in the discursive turn in social psychology.
Harré is a true inspirer. He mentors (later famous) doctoral students Patrick Baert, German Berrios, Jonathan Smith, and Roy Bhaskar. He also has an important early influence on the British philosophical movement Critical Realism. He publishes leading books (sometimes with co-authors) - such as 'Causal Powers'.
After retiring from Oxford in 1995, he ends up in the psychology department of Georgetown University in Washington, DC (USA). Here he is Distinguished Research Professor until the end of his career in 1960.
Throughout his career and beyond, Harré taught as a visiting professor at universities around the world, from the US to Spain and from Tokyo to Belgium and beyond. He has been called one of the most productive social scientists in the world. His subjects are extensive and demonstrate a rich, encyclopaedic knowledge: philosophy of science, physics, (social) psychology, philosophy of mathematics, chemistry, sociology.
After Rom Harré concludes his life in October 2019, he is remembered as an inspiring teacher, sympathetic colleague, a warm, enthusiastic, and extremely wise man.
What is an honorary doctorate?
VUB has awarded honorary doctorates every year since 1978 to personalities from the most diverse backgrounds who have made a remarkable contribution to their field and to society. From this solemn moment of recognition, they bear the honorary title of Doctor Honoris Causa of VUB.