Hampton, Jean (1954–1996)

Introduction

When Jean Hampton died at the age of 41, philosophy suffered a serious loss. That loss was not just due to the fact that Hampton had already contributed so much to social and political philosophy. Philosophy also lost the chance to see how much more Hampton could have done – one gets the sense that in spite of the philosophical sophistication she already showed, she had only just begun to develop her thinking. Philosophers who knew and worked closely with her described her as “bold” and “unflinching” (Annas 1996). Gauthier recalls his interactions with her as “always strenuous, always fun, and always rewarding” (1996). Murphy, who coauthored Forgiveness and Mercy with Hampton and was one of her biggest adversaries, writes: “I miss her and do not welcome a world that lacks her brilliant, creative, and witty presence” (1997). One of the more understated features of Hampton’s work in political philosophy is its accessibility. Had Hampton lived, she might have become a...