Grigori “Grisha” Mints, a Palo Alto resident and Stanford University philosophy professor for more than 20 years, died on May 29 after contracting pneumonia. He was 74.
He was born on June 7, 1939, in St. Petersburg, Russia. He went on to study mathematics at Leningrad State University and received bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as a Ph.D. and a Doctor of Science degree, from the school. He was also a researcher at Steklov Mathematical Institute, Leningrad University and the Estonian Academy of Sciences before arriving at Stanford in 1991.
Throughout his life, he wrote many books, papers and reviews, including introductory books on modal and intuitionistic logic. Traveling often, he also maintained relationships with academics abroad and often sought to combine the research traditions of Russia with the work of his Western colleagues.
At Stanford his research focused on proof theory, the analysis of mathematical reasoning and its applications for fields like computer science. He was also a professor, by courtesy, of mathematics and computer science.
In addition to his work with graduate students, he taught both advanced courses and freshman seminars, where he shared his knowledge of proof theory with new students. In a statement released by Stanford, both colleagues and former students cited his intellectual impact and amiable personality.
He lived in Palo Alto with his family beginning with his time at Stanford and up until his death.
He is survived by his wife, Marianna Rozenfeld, of Palo Alto; his daughter, Anna Reznikova; his grandson, Alexandre Reznikov; and great-granddaughter, Viktoria Reznikova.
A public memorial service will be held in the fall.
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