My friend, the philosopher Bob Hargrave, died on Friday 17 August, 2012, aged 63.

Bob taught philosophy in a number of Oxford colleges, most recently Balliol. His was possibly the finest mind of our times.

And I loved him.

There is so much to say about Bob that I don’t know where to start. Perhaps later, when the grief is less keen.

Meanwhile, I send my condolences to his sisters and his family, to his colleagues and the generations of students who were lucky enough to be taught by him, and to all who loved him.

And here’s a photo of him on the portico last summer. It tickled him, so it seems appropriate. “At last,” he said, “I’ve found someone congenial to talk to.”

** Update 5 Feb 2016: this page is currently being viewed at the rate of 5,400 views per annum.  Not hits.  Real views.  That – in a very real sense – is remarkable. **