David GAUTHIER

David Gauthier It is with deep sorrow and much love we mourn the death of David Gauthier of Toronto, ON, on Thursday, November 9, 2023, 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 was 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, Kensington Health (Long-term care), or to the philosophy scholarship created in his name at the University of Toronto.