Parcourez la nécrologie de David Gauthier résidant dans la province Ontario pour le détail des funérailles

It is with deep sorrow and much love we mourn the death of David Gauthier of Toronto, ON, on Thursday, November 9, at the age of 91.
David considered himself a philosopher first and last. He is known for his original thinking and as the author of important and influential essays and books in moral and political philosophy. He commenced teaching in 1958 at the University of Toronto, then from 1980 until retirement in 2001 at the University of Pittsburgh. Intermingled were years on sabbatical or as a guest professor, variously at UCLA, Princeton, Oxford, UC Irvine, UC Berkeley, and ANU.
His major work Morals by Agreement developed a general theory of morality, arguing that rational agents have reasons to act morally. The book is critical of the dominant view of human rationality and develops a controversial new view. David’s early book on the work of the 17th century English philosopher Thomas Hobbes, The Logic of Leviathan, was a seminal work in the study of this seminal political thinker. More recently he published a book on the political philosophy of 18th century Genevan thinker Jean-Jacques Rousseau, entitled Rousseau: the Sentiment of Existence.
In addition, he published three collections of essays: Moral Dealing: Contract, Ethics, and Reason, and recently Hobbes & Political Contractarianism and Rational Deliberation.
David also pursued philosophy in Canadian politics, most practically by representing the nascent NDP in the 1962 federal election (challenging PC incumbent Donald Fleming and the young Liberal Mitchell Sharp); as well publishing political essays, especially for the Toronto Telegram column Dissent.
This impressive body of work will continue to be studied by philosophers, political and legal theorists, and students of rationality.
Philosophy first, philosophy last; but for those closest to him there was also a rich middle. The academic appointments enabled David to live and travel extensively, typically en famille. This immersion in other cultures expanded David and Joan’s experiences and palate, and together with his interests in ancient civilizations, provided opportunities for broadening his children’s perspectives. David enjoyed the arts, especially theatre, with Stratford ON becoming a family favourite. Dinner conversations were literate and lively with Minoan Palaces as likely a topic as report cards, politics, or growing pains. David also loved football, his childhood favourite Greenbay Packers taking second place to the Steelers only when Pittsburgh became his home; and his children fondly recall sitting in the bleachers with Dad at Exhibition Stadium, in the Blue Jays’ early days.
David was a passionate railway and public transit aficionado, with trolleys, trams and streetcars holding pride of place. But healthy mind, healthy body: he loved to walk. Until Parkinson’s disease stopped him, David enjoyed the outdoors at a good clip: in southern Ontario, in Pennsylvania, and on his much-loved Cotswold pub walks. His family learned to keep up!
David resided at Kensington Gardens for the last 3 years of his life. We are deeply grateful for the wonderful, compassionate care he received from the doctors, empathetic nurses and dedicated, daily long-term care staff.
He is predeceased by his mother Helen, father Henri, his stepmother Isabel; and his never-forgotten young daughter Gillian (1961-1963).
David is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joan; his children: Jeremy (Anita Shin), Christopher, and Victoria (Hiroshi Watanabe); his grandchildren: Alexander Baravyan Gauthier, Anoush Baravyan Gauthier, Eijiro Watanabe, and Maya Watanabe; and his former daughter-in-law Ani Baravyan.
A Celebration of Life will be planned for 2024.
At David’s request there will be no funeral service, and the family asks no flowers be sent. For those so moved, donations may be made in his name to Parkinson Canada; to Kensington Health (Long-term care); or to the philosophy scholarship created in his name at the U of T.

2023

Morley Bedford Funeral Services Ltd

Décès pour la Ville:Toronto, Province: Ontario

avis deces David Gauthier

nécrologie David Gauthier

Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de David Gauthier et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.