
Truth
Pascal Engel(Author)
Acumen Publishing Ltd
1st Edition
Published on 30. September 2002
Book
Hardback
192 pages
978-1-902683-57-7 (ISBN)
Description
In this critical introduction to contemporary philosophical issues in the theory of truth Pascal Engel provides clear and authoritative exposition of recent and current ideas while providing original perspectives that advances discussion of the key issues. This book begins with a presentation of the classical conceptions of truth - the correspondence theory, the coherence theory and verificationist and pragmatist accounts - before examining so-called minimalist and deflationist conceptions that deny truth can be anything more than a thin concept holding no metaphysical weight. The debates between those who favour substantive conceptions of the classical kind and those who advocate minimalist and deflationist conceptions are explored. Engel argues that, although the minimalist conception of truth is basically right, it does not follow that truth can be eliminated from our philosophical thinking as some upholders of radical deflationist views have claimed. Questions about truth and realism are examined and the author shows how the realism/anti-realism debate remains a genuine, meaningful issue for a theory of truth and has not been undermined by deflationist views. Even if a metaphysical substantive theory of truth has little chance to succeed, Engel concludes, truth can keep a central role within our thinking, as a norm or guiding value of our rational inquiries and practices, in the philosophy of knowledge and in ethics.
Reviews / Votes
"Pascal Engel, who teaches at the Sorbonne, is one of the leading figures in the ongoing attempt to make the disciplinary matrix of French philosophy more like that of Anglo-American philosophy, and to get French philosophers to take seriously the problems discussed by their Anglophone colleagues. In this book, he offers a clear, succinct, and very useful review of discussions of the concept of truth." - Richard Rorty, Stanford University "well-informed, giving a judicious view of a great deal of the recent work on truth - the discussions are clear and helpful, and students both at introductory and at quite advanced levels will be very grateful for it." - Simon Blackburn, University of CambridgeMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Durham
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 129 mm
Weight
840 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-902683-57-7 (9781902683577)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Person
Pascal Engel is Professor of Modern and Contemporary Philosophy at the University of Geneva.
Content
Preface Introduction: truth lost? 1. Classical theories of truth 2. Deflationism 3. Minimal realism 4. The realist/anti-realist controversies 5. The norm of truth Conclusion: truth regained Notes Bibliography Index


