Ernest Nagel papers, 1930-1988

Summary Information

At a Glance

Arrangement

Arrangement

This collection is arranged into 11 series.

• Series I: Cataloged Correspondence
• Series II: Arranged Correspondence
• Series III: Arranged Manuscripts
• Series IV: Speeches and Lectures
• Series V: Notebooks
• Series VI: Notes
• Series VII: Teaching Materials
• Series VIII: Subject Files
• Series IX: Manuscripts inscribed to E. Nagel
• Series X: Printed Materials
• Series XI: 1989 Addition
• Subseries XI.1: Introduction to Logic and Scientific Method
• Subseries XI.2: Notes
• Subseries XI.3: Teaching Materials

Description

Scope and Content

Correspondence, manuscripts, speeches, notebooks, notes, teaching materials, subject files, clippings, printed materials and books of Ernest Nagel. Included among the correspondence are William J. Bennett, Rudolph Carnap, Kurt Gödel, Adolph Grünbaum, C. G. Hemple, Paul Lazarsfeld, William J. McGill and Morton White. The collection's manuscripts include most of Nagel's essays and articles as well as drafts of his major works, including "The Structure of Science" (1961). The teaching materials contain syllabi, reading lists and lecture plans from the philosophy courses Nagel taught at Columbia. The collection also includes numerous manuscripts and printed materials by other authors which were inscribed to Nagel. In addition, there are printed materials and printed books by Nagel at the end of the collection.

• Series I: Cataloged Correspondence

• Series II: Arranged Correspondence

• Series III: Arranged Manuscripts

• Series IV: Speeches and Lectures

• Series V: Notebooks

• Series VI: Notes

• Series VII: Teaching Materials

• Series VIII: Subject Files

• Series IX: Manuscripts inscribed to E. Nagel

• Series X: Printed Materials

• Series XI: 1989 Addition

Using the Collection

Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Restrictions on Access

This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred Citation

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Ernest Nagel papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Ownership and Custodial History

Gift of Ernest Nagel, 1980; Alexander and Sidney Nagel, 1988.

About the Finding Aid / Processing Information

Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Processing Information

Processed TC 11/01/88.

Revision Description

2010-02-18 Legacy finding aid created from Pro Cite.

2019-05-20 EAD was imported spring 2019 as part of the ArchivesSpace Phase II migration.

Subject Headings

The subject headings listed below are found in this collection. Links below allow searches at Columbia University through the Archival Collections Portal and through CLIO, the catalog for Columbia University Libraries, as well as ArchiveGRID, a catalog that allows users to search the holdings of multiple research libraries and archives.

All links open new windows.

Subject

History / Biographical Note

Biographical sketch

Ernest Nagel (1901-1985), philosopher and University Professor Emeritus at Columbia University. Nagel received a B.S. (1923) from City College, and a M.A. (1925) and Ph.D. (1930) from Columbia. First appointed to Columbia's faculty in 1930, Nagel became John Dewey Professor of Philosophy in 1955 and University Professor in 1967.