Alfred Barratt

Alfred Barratt (12 July 1844 – 18 May 1881) was an English barrister and philosopher. He trained in law at the University of Oxford, and published his first book, Physical Ethics, in 1869 while studying there. He died an early death in 1881 from overwork as a barrister, secretary to the Oxford University Commission, and philosopher. His second book, Physical Metempiric, was published posthumously in 1883.

Early life and education

Barratt was born in Heald Grove, Manchester, the son of James Barratt, a solicitor. As a child, Barratt showed considerable ability. At the age of 8, he was sent to a day-school where he learnt modern and classical languages. At the age of 12, he was sent to Sandbach School, Cheshire, where he learnt basic Hebrew, Arabic, and Persian from an under-master. At 14, Barratt went to Rugby School, Warwickshire, where in the course of his time there he won 29 prizes.

In 1862, Barratt entered Balliol College, Oxford, and was elected to a scholarship in his first term alongside Edmund Martin Geldart. He was the runner-up to receive the Jenkins Exhibition in 1866. He graduated with a double first in moderations and a first-class in the classics, maths, law, and modern history schools, in 1866. This meant he achieved the considerable distinction of five first classes. Barratt won a fellowship at Brasenose College, Oxford, in 1867, and in January 1869 he published his first book, Physical Ethics, which he had completed in his leisure hours at Oxford. In 1870, he won the Eldon Law Scholarship, and studied law under the Vice-Chancellor of England, John Wickens, and his secretary, Horace Davey.

Personal life In May 1876, Barratt married Dorothea (née Davis), the sister of an old school friend. They had one child together. Barratt's philosophy has been described as a form of panpsychism.