
Truth, Rationality, and Pragmatism
Themes from Peirce
Christopher Hookway(Author)
Oxford University Press
Published on 5. December 2002
Book
Paperback/Softback
322 pages
978-0-19-925658-7 (ISBN)
Description
Christopher Hookway presents a series of studies of themes from the work of the great American philosopher Charles S. Peirce (1839-1913), often described as the founder of pragmatism. These themes concern how we are able to investigate the world rationally; and, as Hookway shows, the ideas introduced by Peirce can still make fruitful contributions to research in philosophy, logic and semiotics.
After an extended examination of Peirce's account of truth, and of its relations to his ideas about logic, reference, and representation, Hookway discusses his claims that rationality requires a system of 'scientific metaphysics'. The second half of the book studies the role of common sense, sentiments, and emotions in rationality. It concludes with discussions of Peirce's approach to religious belief and the role of pragmatism in his thought.
These compelling essays present the fruits of fifteen years of research on Peirce, but do so in a way that makes his ideas accessible and relevant for philosophers who are not specialists in the history of American thought. The introduction offers a general sketch of Peirce's philosophy as a way into the book for such readers, and draws together the themes of the essays.
After an extended examination of Peirce's account of truth, and of its relations to his ideas about logic, reference, and representation, Hookway discusses his claims that rationality requires a system of 'scientific metaphysics'. The second half of the book studies the role of common sense, sentiments, and emotions in rationality. It concludes with discussions of Peirce's approach to religious belief and the role of pragmatism in his thought.
These compelling essays present the fruits of fifteen years of research on Peirce, but do so in a way that makes his ideas accessible and relevant for philosophers who are not specialists in the history of American thought. The introduction offers a general sketch of Peirce's philosophy as a way into the book for such readers, and draws together the themes of the essays.
Reviews / Votes
Review from previous edition a significant contribution to our understanding and appreciation of Peirce's philosophy * Ruth Anna Putnam, British Journal for the Philosophy of Science * For anyone interested in Peirce's philosophy, whether she be a rank amateur or an accomplished Peirce scholar or anything in between, reading this book provides numerous insights and challenges; as an added bonus, it is eminently readable. * Ruth Anna Putnam, British Journal for the Philosophy of Science *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
494 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-925658-7 (9780199256587)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
05/2000
1st Edition
Clarendon Press
€69.49
Available for download
Person
Content
Introduction: Pragmatism and the Materials of Rational Self-Control ; 1. Belief, Confidence, and the Method of Science ; 2. Truth and the Convergence of Opinion ; 3. Truth and Correspondence ; 4. Truth and Reference: Peirce versus Royce ; 5. Vagueness, Logic, and Interpretation ; 6. Design and Chance: the Evolution of Peirce's Evolutionary Cosmology ; 7. Metaphysics, Science, and Self-Control ; 8. Common Sense, Pragmatism, and Rationality ; 9. Sentiment and Self-Control ; 10. Doubt: Affective States and the Regulation of Inquiry ; 11. On Reading God's Great Poem ; 12. Avoiding Circularity and Proving Pragmatism ; References ; Index