Wilfrid Sellars was an influential American philosopher, born in 1912 and known for his work in the philosophy of mind and language. He is best recognized for his critique of the "myth of the given," which challenges the idea that sensory experiences can serve as a foundation for knowledge without interpretation. Sellars emphasized the importance of language in shaping our understanding of the world. Sellars was also a key figure in the development of analytic philosophy, which focuses on clarity and logical analysis. He contributed to discussions on the nature of perception, meaning, and the relationship between thought and reality. His ideas have had a lasting impact on contemporary philosophy, influencing thinkers like Daniel Dennett and Richard Rorty.