This rationalism, of Hollis, was in its early formulations strongly influenced by Peter Strawson and applied to understanding and explaining the approach of the social sciences.
Educated at Winchester, he did national service in the Royal Artillery before reading Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at New College, Oxford, from 1958 to 1961.
This was the last straw for a rational man, who was already moonlighting in Oxford, giving philosophy tutorials at New College and Balliol.
"[1] Appointed to a philosophy post at the new University of East Anglia in 1967, he remained in Norwich until his death.
He played chess at a high level, competitive bridge, and was also interested in designing new games.