In memory of Dr Andrew Cooper
We are deeply saddened to share the news that Dr Andrew Cooper, Associate Professor in Philosophy, has died.
Andrew was an enthusiastic bushwalker and was hiking at Federation Peak in Tasmania when he died. He was a much-loved member of our philosophical community and we will miss him.
Andrew joined the Department of Philosophy at 糖心TV in 2018, following undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at the University of Sydney and then a series of prestigious post-doctoral appointments at Bonn, Durham, and UCL.
Andrew made significant contributions to the history of philosophy and the philosophies of life and nature. He had an unusually broad set of philosophical interests and a prominent theme of his recent work was elevating overlooked voices in the history of philosophy. Under this heading, he prepared the first English translation of Amalia Holst鈥檚 (OUP, 2023). He authored three further important books:(SUNY Press, 2016), (OUP, 2023), and (CUP, 2024), as well as numerous articles and chapters.
Passionate about engaging the wider public in philosophical activity, Andrew became a , where he produced work for the BBC, including a fine . He was also co-director of , and host of the podcast . In addition, he put his philosophical thinking into practice through inspiring community engagement projects focused on and .
As should be clear, Andrew was enormously energetic with a wide variety of deep interests, all pursued with ardour, tenacity, and accomplishment. He was above all an exceptional friend and colleague. As one of his many friends in the Department put it, 鈥淎ndrew inspired everyone around him not only with his brilliance and passion for philosophy, but also with his warmth, kindness and humanity. Talking to Andrew, one always felt at home in the world.鈥�
Another of Andrew鈥檚 defining concerns was the education and personal development of generations of our students, all of whom remember him with fondness and gratitude. His students can best summarise their feelings about him.
One of Andrew鈥檚 PhD students said the following about his experience of working with Andrew: 鈥淎ndrew shaped me intellectually in ways I鈥檓 still discovering. His philosophical acuity, his breadth of knowledge, his kindness and humour, his belief in his students鈥攖hese qualities made him an indelible part of the department and an irreplaceable part of my own journey.鈥�
A graduate from our MA programme added, 鈥淚 always felt heard [by Andrew] and had the opportunity to discuss topics outside of seminars. I could tell he truly cared about me. Moreover, he had faith in me. He gave me confidence despite my low self-esteem, and I remembered that I should believe in myself more. My conversations with him did shape my life, which I will continue to fondly remember. As I carry on his faith in me to pursue philosophy further.鈥�
His undergraduate students were equally enthralled, as a selection of their many enthusiastic comments attests:
鈥淎ndrew is such an engaging lecturer, presenting views clearly, concisely and with lots of contemporary connections making the value of the module evident."
"Andrew is a fantastic lecturer, one of the best in the department for sure. His immense knowledge shows in his lecturing style, and whatever he's lecturing on, every sentence he says is profound and noteworthy."
"Andrew is a very good speaker鈥is brain moves so fast."
"Advice for future students: Go for a walk in the forest each week.鈥�
In his book The Tragedy of Philosophy, while summarising some of Heidegger鈥檚 views, Andrew wrote: 鈥淭o find a home in our essence, death must be embraced as our own most possibility.鈥� More than anything, though, Andrew embraced life.
Andrew died on 22 November 2025, aged 39. He is survived by his parents, Joy and Steve, and his sisters, Rosemary, Melinda, Sharon, and their husbands and children.
You can learn about Andrew鈥檚 work on his and his .
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