The Oxford philosopher of language J L Austin died on 8 February 1960, just months after receiving a ‘grave’ diagnosis. His friend Isaiah Berlin called it a ‘dead secret’ – Austin himself had ‘no idea’ how little time was left. As Hilary term approached, Austin requested a mere four weeks’ leave until his glands ‘cleared up’. He died five weeks …
Read More »The word ‘cancer’ leads to overtreatment and fear. Should we drop it?
