Woman philosopher, 94, on mind of Bush

Marjorie Grene, 94-year-old professor of philosophy, is at once an intellectual giant, the personification of hostile irascibility, and a kind great-grandmother. She verbally berates cocky students and fellow professors, slamming her fists on the table and yelling “no no no no no” in the seminar room, but then strolls the hall, distributing cookies. Excerpt from interview.
BLVR: What do you think about people who see you as a role model, as a pioneering professional female philosopher?
MG: I think they’re pretty silly.
BLVR: What is philosophy for?
MG: It isn’t for anything! What is knowledge for? It’s no use trying to talk philosophy to our politicians.
BLVR: I was thinking more micropolitically, not only with actual politicians. But, anyway, how about that Bush Doctrine? It’s a strange bird.
MG: There can’t be any such thing! The man hasn’t got a mind. So how can there be a doctrine? This would be an embarrassment if it weren’t so scary. But this isn’t a philosophical problem.
BLVR: You know, I forgot to ask about philosopher of science Imre Lakatos—
MG: I didn’t kill him!!
BLVR: Why does everyone say you had a part in it?
MG: Because once he helped me out of a taxi in London and he hit his head on the door. And I didn’t kill him! He died soon, and I don’t know if it was the head bump. But it wasn’t because of me! [Laughing heartily]