Epistemic Pragmatism and Other Studies in the Theory of Knowledge

The core of pragmatism lies in the concept of functional efficacy-of utility in short. And epistemic pragmatism accordingly focuses on the utility of our devices and practices in relation to the aims and purposes of the cognitive enterprise-answering questions, resolving puzzlement, guiding action. The present book revolves around this theme. All papers in this book bear on epistemological topics which have preoccupied Nicholas Rescher for many years. Much as with the thematic structure of this book, this interest expanded from an initial concern with the exact sciences, to encompass the epistemology of the human sciences, and ultimately the epistemology of philosophy itself. Main description: The core of pragmatism lies in the concept of functional efficacy-of utility in short. And epistemic pragmatism accordingly focuses on the utility of our devices and practices in relation to the aims and purposes of the cognitive enterprise-answering questions, resolving puzzlement, guiding action. The present book revolves around this theme. All papers in this book bear on epistemological topics which have preoccupied Nicholas Rescher for many years. Much as with the thematic structure of this book, this interest expanded from an initial concern with the exact sciences, to encompass the epistemology of the human sciences, and ultimately the epistemology of philosophy itself Contents Chapter 1EPISTEMIC PRAGMATISM Chapter 2LINGUISTIC PRAGMATISM Chapter 3ON COGNITIVE FINITUDE AND LIMITATIONS Chapter 4ON COGNITIVE ECONOMICS Chapter 5THE UNEASY UNION OF IDEALITY ANDPRAGMATISM IN INQUIRY Chapter 6ON INCONSISTENCY AND PROVISIONALACCEPTANCE Chapter 7ON REALISM AND THE PROBLEM OFTRANSPARENT FACTS Chapter 8ON FALLACIES OF AGGREGATION Chapter 9LEIBNIZ AND THE CONDITIONS OF IDENTITY WORLDLY WOES:THE TROUBLE WITH POSSIBLE WORLDS Chapter 11TRIGRAPHS: A RESOURCE FOR ILLUSTRATIONIN PHILOSOPHY Chapter 12FRAGMENTATION AND DISINTEGRATION INPHILOSOPHY NAME INDEX The core of pragmatism lies in the concept of functional efficacy - of utility in short. And epistemic pragmatism accordingly focuses on the utility of our devices and practices in relation to the aims and purposes of the cognitive enterprise - answering questions, resolving puzzlement, and guiding action. This book revolves around this theme.