Cognitive Complications

Epistemology in Pragmatic Perspective

By (author) Nicholas Rescher

Not available to order

Publication date:

08 October 2015

Length of book:

260 pages

Publisher

Lexington Books

ISBN-13: 9781498521819

The prime intent of Cognitive Complications is one of innovation. Rescher addresses issues that are under-examined in the present state of discussion, their inherent interest notwithstanding. The linking thread of these investigations is their pragmatic dimension, inherent in the idea that rational inquiry is itself a practice—albeit one that functions in the ideationally cognitive rather than physically manipulative realm. And as a practice it has its aims and functions which in their turn provide for the standards of adequacy and efficacy that establish the criteriological norms of our cognitive proceedings.

Chapter 1: The Mission of PhilosophyChapter 2: Systematizing the Data of PhilosophyChapter 3: Philosophical ExpositionChapter 4: The Taxonomy of PhilosophyChapter 5: Some Principles of PhilosophyChapter 6: Philosophical Method: Apories and Evaluative HarmonizationChapter 7: Philosophical Legitimation via SystematizationChapter 8: Philosophical RefutationChapter 9: Coming to Terms with Philosophical DissensusChapter 10: Can Philosophy Be Objective?Chapter 11: Influence among PhilosophersChapter 12: Does Philosophy Make Progress?Chapter 13: On Philosophy as a Guide to Life?Chapter 14: The Philosophy Industry in the U.S.A.Chapter 15: How the History of Philosophy Relates to Philosophy Itself?Chapter 16: Interpreting Philosophical TextsChapter 17: How to Think Like a Philosopher

In his characteristically clear and precise style, Nicholas Rescher has once again provided us with a probing and illuminating study on the limits of and the nature of knowledge. Blending strains of pragmatism and idealism, he provides us with yet another example of how to think clearly and incisively about difficult and vexing philosophical topics.