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JOHN LADD Obituary

LADD--John, of Providence, RI and Lancaster, NH, died at home on February 6. A Professor of Philosophy at Brown University for over 50 years, he published widely on ethics, political and legal philosophy, Kant's ethics, medical ethics, and computer ethics. His interviews with Navajo elders became the basis of his first book The Structure of a Moral Code. He was the founder of Brown's Program in Biomedical Ethics and the first director of the Center for the Study of Race and Ethnicity in America. He was educated at Harvard and during World War II he saw active duty on minesweepers and submarines, retiring with the rank of Lt. Comm. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Rosalind Ekman Ladd, three daughters and four grandchildren.

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Published by New York Times on Feb. 11, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

Ronald Loui

May 8, 2021

I always though John Ladd, with his view of defeasible reasoning, was way ahead of everyone else in the US. I did not know the full bio until now, but now it makes sense. Harvard x3, Native American languages, WW2, Oxford, Kant, political, legal, and moral philosophy, computer and biomedical ethics, violence, responsibility, race. How lucky his Brown U students and colleagues have been to have had access to such a mind for so long.

Paul Lange

February 11, 2011

Sarah.and the Ladd Family.I was so sorry to hear John's passing. It brought back a flood of wonderful memories of the laughs and conversations from the many times I had the pleasure of attending your family "gatherings" during the holidays. The many trips up to Lancaster to visit both your parents and the "Great Skunk Adventure" will never be forgotten!!

Mary Daniels

February 11, 2011

Dear Mrs. Ladd,
Our family was fortunate enough to spend time with you and Mr. Ladd at your home in N.H. a few summers ago. You welcomed us into your home and made us feel like old friends. We experienced Mr. Ladd's humor, story telling and love of his country. He truly was a gentle-man. We will keep you and your family in our prayers knowing all of the wonderful memories of Mr. Ladd will help you through the tough times ahead.

February 10, 2011

Dear, Dr. Ladd,(Rosland),
This is Elaine Massotti from the RIH Ethics Committee. I was so sorry to read of your husband's passing. I didn't know him but I am certain that he was a wonderful man to many - you, his children, students and the community. Please extend my sympathy to all your family and I send a sincere embrace to you, a valued person to us all. Elaine Massotti

Roger Breslow

February 9, 2011

My condolences to the Ladd family. I had Professor Ladd for a couple philosophy courses in the early '60's and always remember him as a very pleasant person, always trying to help the student.

Gary and Dionne Frantik

February 9, 2011

What a wonderful life he led. He will be missed by so many. We will always treasure our memories of time we spent with Mr. Ladd in New Hampshire over the Fourth of July in 2007. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family...today and always.

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