Reason and Nature: Essays in the Theory of Rationality (Mind Association Occasional Series)

The essays in this volume investigate the norms of reason--the standards which contribute to determining whether beliefs, inferences, and actions are rational. Nine philosophers and two psychologists discuss what kinds of things these norms are, how they can be situated within the natural world, and what role they play in the psychological explanation of belief and action. Current work in the theory of rationality is subject to very diverse influences ranging from experimental and theoretical psychology, through philosophy of logic and language, to metaethics and the theory of practical reasoning; this range is well represented here. 1. Introduction (Alan Millar and Jose Luis Bermudez)......Page 2 PART I: OBJECTIVITY AND NORMATIVITY......Page 13 2. How Are Objective Epistemic Reasons Possible? (Paul Boghossian)......Page 14 3. On Basic Logical Knowledge: Reflections on Paul Boghossian's "How Are Objective Epistemic Reasons Possible?" (Crispin Wright)......Page 48 4. Practical Reasoning (John Broome)......Page 84 5. Reasons for Action and Instrumental Rationality (Alan Millar)......Page 111 PART II: PSYCHOLOGICAL REALITY AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EXPLANATION......Page 131 6. The Rational Analysis of Human Cognition (Nick Chater and Mike Oaksford)......Page 132 7. The Rational and the Real: Some Doubts About the Programme of 'Rational Analysis' (E. J. Lowe)......Page 172 8. The Rationality of Evolutionary Psychology (David E. Over)......Page 183 9. Commitment and Change of View (Isaac Levi)......Page 204 10. Rationality and Psychological Explanation without Language (Jose Luis Bermudez)......Page 228 11. Normative Explanations: Invoking Rationality to Explain Happenings (Allan Gibbard)......Page 260 Index......Page 278 In A Series Of Essays Nine Philosophers And Two Psychologists Address Three Main Themes: The Status Of Norms Of Rationality; The Precise Form Taken By Them; And The Role Of Norms In Belief And Actions. 1. Introduction / Alan Millar And Jose Luis Bermudez -- Pt. I. Objectivity And Normativity -- 2. How Are Objective Epistemic Reasons Possible? / Paul Boghossian -- 3. On Basic Logical Knowledge: Reflections On Paul Boghossian's 'how Are Objective Epistemic Reasons Possible?' / Crispin Wright -- 4. Practical Reasoning / John Broome -- 5. Reasons For Action And Instrumental Rationality / Alan Millar -- Pt. Ii. Psychological Reality And Psychological Explanation -- 6. The Rational Analysis Of Human Cognition / Nick Chater And Mike Oaksford -- 7. The Rational And The Real: Some Doubts About The Programme Of 'rational Analysis' / E.j. Lowe -- 8. The Rationality Of Evolutionary Psychology / David E. Over. Edited By José Luis Bermúdez And Alan Millar. Based On 2 Conferences Held In 1997 And 1998 At The University Of Stirling. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.