This lecture is dedicated to the memory of Associate Professor Barry
Taylor, who died suddenly on January 15th of this year. Barry had a
long and distinguished career in the philosophy department at the
University of Melbourne. He started out as a brilliant undergraduate at
Melbourne, taking a first in both his BA and MA. After completing a
DPhil at Oxford, he returned to join the department as a lecturer in
1974. His contribution in all areas was exceptional: he was an
outstanding researcher and teacher, a popular and respected colleague,
and a very amusing man. After 33 years of service he retired at the end
of 2007. His family and his many friends hoped that his retirement would
be long and happy. As things turned out, it was happy but not long. He
is deeply mourned.