about rafe champion
about me
The Road from Irishtown
I grew up on a dairy farm near Irishtown in the far north west of Tasmania (Australia). After boarding school in Launceston I studied Agricultural Science at the University of Tasmania in Hobart. With a B Ag Sci, I travelled overseas for post graduate study at the University of Adelaide.
Here, in 1968, thanks to my thesis supervisor and friend Keith Barley, I discovered The Open Society and its Enemies by Karl Popper.
Subsequently, I turned to the social sciences in Sydney and worked in planning and research in health, anti-discrimination and economic policy. From time to time I returned to philosophical pursuits, most recently at the University of Sydney where I studied with Alan Chalmers and completed a Masters degree in the history and philosophy of science.
Along the way, I encountered classical liberalism, especially in Hayek's essay Why I am not a Conservative. This means that it is no longer necessary to be a socialist to demonstrate that you have a heart, even at 20 years of age.
My publications include reports, papers, reviews, books and newsletters in a great variety of subjects, from root hairs to the history of cricket and boxing.
In addition to my studies, most of my work has involved writing in some form. The result is a growing pile of yellowing manuscripts, many of little interest to anyone, even to me. Some of those concerned with the thoughts of Popper, Hayek and Bartley or closely related matters can be found on this site.
Another branch of writing has been a great satisfaction. This has been my involvement in Home Before Dark, with the leading writer Ruth Park and also, more recently, Ruth Park's Sydney. More information on these, please click here.
I'm keen for all kinds of discussion, philosophical and otherwise. Please feel free to send me an email, and I'll get back to you.
Rafe. Age 4
